MONTEREY COUNTY – The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), in partnership with the City of Salinas, has released a “Call for Art” for the Salinas Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Art project. This call is an opportunity for local artists of all ages and experience levels to create over 100 beautiful and interactive artworks on the sidewalks throughout East Salinas to highlight the safe walking routes connecting schools, parks, and community spaces with long-lasting sidewalk art.

The art competition is open to artists who live in Monterey County. It is funded through a Clean California grant and Measure X and is part of TAMC’s Safe Routes to School program. Artists may compete in one of four categories: Elementary School, Middle/High School, Adult Amateur Artist (18+), and Professional Artist. Compensation will be awarded only to the top Doodle, Simple, and Themed Combination designs in each category. In addition to submitting Doodle, Simple, and Themed Combination designs, Professional artists and/or art programs may submit “Complex” designs for the opportunity to be compensated for one of seven $4,500 awards.

All artists who participate in the Call for Art will be recognized by the community. Artwork that is selected for installation will be featured in a program for the community celebration along with the name of the artist. Artwork not selected for installation will be displayed on the Monterey County Safe Routes to School program website at https://saferoutesmonterey.org/ and shared with the City of Salinas and other community partners to display on their respective social media channels and websites.

For detailed information about the East Salinas Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Art project including applications, art locations, examples, judging criteria and the process timeline, click onto Call for Art (English) or Call for Art (Spanish). 

The deadline to submit an application and PDF concept drawing(s) for this community-led effort is 5 pm, Friday, September 15, 2023.

Submissions can be sent to Aaron Hernandez (Transportation Agency for Monterey County) at  Aaron@tamcmonterey.org. If the file size is too large to send by email (over 30MB) contact Aaron and he will assist in finding another way to transmit the file.

Applicants can also submit hard copy applications by calling the Action Council at 831-313-2079 to coordinate a drop-off at their office located at 295 Main Street, #500, Salinas, CA 93901 (5th Floor). Office hours are 9am – 4 pm. Call for assistance if you are unable to deliver during normal office hours.

For more information and the application forms for the Salinas Sidewalk Art Project, click here: https://saferoutesmonterey.org/2023/08/17/salinas-sidewalk-art-project-fall-2023/.

                                                                     BACKGROUND INFORMATION

PROJECT PARTNERS

The Salinas Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Art project is part of the Alisal Greening, Beautification and Safety project, an effort by the City of Salinas, Transportation Agency for Monterey County, Ecology Action, Building Healthy Communities, and other community partners to create safe, healthy, and engaging spaces in East Salinas. The goal is to transform public streets into healthy spaces for kids, teachers, and community members to walk, roll, and move about in their neighborhoods.

The Project is funded through a Clean California grant from the California Department of Transportation and local Measure X transportation sales tax funds.

PROJECT INFORMATION

The Salinas Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Art project is a community-led effort designed to make art more accessible to people who live and stroll to school in East Salinas. This Call for Art was developed by a steering committee made up of community members and advocates and prepared to be as inclusive as possible.

PRIZES

There are four (4) categories to compete in based on age and experience. Prizes include art supplies for three (3) elementary schools, $50 cash cards for six (6) middle/high schools, $100 cash card for three (3) adult amateur artists 18+, and seven (7) $4,5000 check awards for professional artists.

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The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) is responsible for investing in regional transportation projects for Monterey County residents, businesses and visitors.  The mission of TAMC is to develop and maintain a multimodal transportation system that enhances mobility, safety, access, environment quality and economic activities in Monterey County. For more information visit www.tamcmonterey.org or call 831.775.0903.

“The” Safe Route to School” is a TAMC program which offers tools, programming, and resources to schools, guardians, and communities aimed at improving safety and traffic around schools. The program’s goal is to keep every child safe and healthy by reducing the number of students involved in collisions to zero. For more information visit https://saferoutesmonterey.org”