The Commission for Arts and Culture is seeking applications from qualified artists to provide public art for the Encanto neighborhood around the new San Diego Black Arts + Culture District (SDBAC).

Let’s learn about the opportunity — plus the SDBAC’s history and vision to empower and unify the Black experience in San Diego.

Art celebrating Black culture can be found on utility boxes throughout the district, but more public art is wanted. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

🎨 Artists wanted

The city’s “Here comes the neighborhood: Encanto” project is open to any artist or artist team legally residing in California or Baja California to help design permanent, site-specific works around the SDBAC. Three ~$40,000 contract awards will be given.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2; register via PlanetBids to apply, and download the Request for Qualifications.

The district in Encanto includes Marie Widman Memorial Park. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

🛣️ About the SDBAC

Located in District 4, the SDBAC spans nine banner-lined blocks along Imperial Avenue between 61st and 69th streets, including Marie Widman Memorial Park and the Encanto/62nd Street Trolley Station.

Although officially designated in June 2022, the southeastern neighborhood has long been part of revitalization efforts detailed in the city’s Imperial Avenue Corridor Master Plan and Encanto’s updated Community Plan.

The San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art oversees the district, working with District 4, the SDBAC District Advisory Committee, and the city to coordinate funding, programming, and goals.

The median along Imperial Avenue includes colorful panels created in 1993 by late local artist Eddie Edwards. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

The SDBAC is currently home to Black arts, culture, and business organizations including Black San Diego, San Diego Urban Warrior, and Black Contractors Association. Imperial Avenue's median strip features 24 art panels created by late local artist Eddie Edwards in 1993.

As the district grows, leaders hope to add more organizations and murals, improve storefronts, beautify landscaping, and install freeway signage to help define the neighborhood.

The community includes a Trolley station and beautiful community park. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

🤝 Get involved

The SDBAC District Advisory Committee — a group of local residents, artists, musicians, educators, nonprofits, and business owners — holds monthly public meetings every third Tuesday, 6 p.m., at 6145 Imperial Ave. Join their next meeting tomorrow, or apply to serve on the committee.