Art on the Parkway Frequently Asked Questions

This page will continue to be updated throughout the open application period. Please check back periodically for updated information.

I need help creating a PDF. Do you provide any resources?
For information on how to create a PDF please visit: https://www.wikihow.com/Create-PDF-Files

Can you provide an example of the PDF document of combined images formatted for submission?
See an example using images from 2024’s commissioned artwork by Rachel Hsu.

Are there restrictions on the size of files submitted?
Yes. Combined PDF image files should not exceed 10 megabytes. To ensure that your image files do not exceed 10 megabytes see this guide. It may be necessary for you to “reduce or compress” your PDF documents before submitting them.

What theme or prompt should my proposal address?
Successful 2026 proposals should explore the idea of Art as Catalyst. More specifically, we are looking for public artworks that contribute to a place for people with different backgrounds and perspectives to engage, encounter new ideas, and increase mutual understanding. Creative works that inspire, motivate, or energize are encouraged as are artworks that embrace experimentation, challenge norms, or inspire action.

Does my proposal need to serve any functional purpose?
Any type of temporary installation may be proposed. Proposals may be purely formal explorations of space or materials or exhibit some functional use (such as seating or shade). 

How closely must my proposal respond to the site or the Parkway?
Successful proposals will engage both Maja Park and the Parkway; however, applicants are invited to consider such engagement widely and creatively. Proposals shall be appropriate in scale, material, and content for the site.

Will maintenance be provided?
The award recipient is responsible for any ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the artwork while it is installed at the site.

Will the installation be outdoors in all weather? 
The installation must be able to withstand being outside through the summer and early fall (four months). Proposals must be able to withstand rain, wind, direct sun, varying temperatures and humidity, and other environmental conditions.

Are there material restrictions for the installation?
Other than functionality, durability, budgeting, and safety, there are no material restrictions. However, the project must be self-contained and not require constant monitoring or electrical power. We encourage the use of sustainable/recyclable materials

How safe must the installation be?
Installations must be able to withstand the wear and tear of weather exposure and heavy public interaction. The aPA will work closely with the winning applicant to make any necessary structural modifications, suggestions, or additions.
For safety reasons, we will not select any proposal that enables the public to climb to unsafe heights, access hidden or enclosed spaces, touch materials that could be unsafe in direct sunlight, or encounter sharp or otherwise hazardous edges or protrusions. The selection team will require design or engineering modifications to any project or questionable design feature that poses a potential hazard to the general public or the site. And, the commissioned project may include review by a licensed engineer at aPA’s expense to ensure that durability and safety standards are met.

Will I be able to dig into the ground, create a foundation, or otherwise secure my installation?
Installations are temporary and no permanent foundation or lasting changes to the park can be made.  The site must be restored to its original condition.

Can I attach my installation or artwork to the trees or light posts or use the trees or lightposts for rigging?
It is not permitted for the artwork to attach to trees or light posts in any manner.

Can my proposal be sited on any of the sidewalks or the central plaza?
No, proposals may only be sited on the lawns noted on the Maja Park site plan. Proposals may not block or otherwise impede any of the walkways or paved areas.

I would like to engage the Maja sculpture directly, is that permitted?
It is not permitted for the work to attach to or touch the Maja sculpture in any manner. However, proposals may engage with the sculpture thematically or through site placement.

Will there be lighting at night?
There will not be any dedicated lighting for the project. Ambient park and plaza lighting exists at the site.

Will there be any security?
No, there will not be any ongoing security or monitoring of the site or installation during the period it is on view.

Can collaborative teams apply?
Yes, teams may apply. Please note that regardless of the number of team members, there is only a single project award of $20,000.

Are there any age limitations for applicants?
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age or older in order to apply.

Are students eligible to apply?
No. This opportunity is limited to artists who are not enrolled in a program of study during the time of the application, and therefore current students who are graduating after the submission deadline of March 6th would not be eligible to apply.

I consider myself creative, but do not have an educational or professional background in a creative field. Am I eligible?
Yes, there are no specific requirements for educational or professional credentialization; however, applicants must demonstrate their ability to execute a public project of this scale in an outdoor environment.

Can non-Philadelphia residents apply? Can non-US citizens apply?
The competition is open to entrants who live or work in the Greater Philadelphia area. This area encompasses 11 counties across four states, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania; Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem in New Jersey; New Castle in Delaware; and Cecil in Maryland. 
To receive the project commission and award, an applicant must have a US tax ID number or Social Security number. Award recipients will be responsible for their project-related tax obligations.

I live in the Greater Philadelphia area, but my artistic partner lives outside the region, are we eligible to apply?
Yes, if you are applying as a team, as long as one team member lives or works in the Greater Philadelphia area, you are eligible; however, preference is for the majority of team applicants to live or work in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Are travel funds provided to team members or consultants from outside of the Philadelphia area? Or, are shipping costs paid for?
There are no funds available for travel or accommodations or for shipping or delivery. Any travel or transportation needs should be included in your $20,000 project budget.

Can I submit more than one proposal?
No. Individuals may only submit one proposal, either alone or as part of a team.

Is there additional funding?
No additional funding will be provided.

I have other funding sources, can I use these to support my project?
Only the $20,000 award that aPA provides to the selected applicant or team may be used to cover the direct costs of producing the project. Outside grant funding or personal funds may be used only for indirect project costs (e.g., travel or studio space) and may not be applied to the direct creation or fabrication of the artwork.

Must I account for in-kind support in my budget? For example, access to a free source of materials or access to fabrication facilities through my workplace?
You are free to use in-kind support and this need not be accounted for within the $20,000 project budget. Please add a note to your budget explaining any in-kind support.

How will payment be submitted to the finalist?
A payment of $15,000 will be made upon signing a Letter of Agreement with aPA; the remaining $5,000 upon completion and public opening of the project.

Do I need insurance?
The recipient of the commission must have or purchase general liability insurance for permitting and installation. aPA will work with the commissioned artist on the exact insurance coverages that are needed. New insurance costs to satisfy these requirements will be reimbursed by aPA not to exceed $1,000. Fine art insurance for the artwork will not be provided.

How many hours should the commissioned project take to install?
It entirely depends on the scope of your project and its complexity.

How long can I work on-site to create the installation? 
Projects may be prefabricated off site or constructed on site. The installation schedule must be mutually agreed upon by all parties, but must occur during normal park hours of operation.

How many people can I have working on the site?
As many as are reasonable and appropriate given the conditions of the site, or as otherwise approved by aPA.

May I propose an installation created through public participation?
Yes, you may engage the public in any participatory design and creation of the artwork. All proposals will be reviewed to ensure public safety, and all participants installing the work on site must be over 21.

Is there parking near the site?
There is timed street parking on Park Towne Place road, located between 24th and 22nd Streets, bordering Maja Park and Park Towne Place Apartments. There is also metered parking on the Parkway inbound, outer lane in front of Maja Park.

Can I have materials delivered to the site?
Yes, however, deliveries to the site will need to be coordinated with aPA, and the artist must be present on site to accept deliveries.

Can I alter my proposal once commissioned to realize the project ?
The recipient of the commission will work closely with aPA and, if necessary, a licensed engineer, to understand the demands of the commissioned proposal and discuss possible issues with construction, materials, schedules, and siting that may affect the final design.

How long will the project be on view?
The installation will be on view for roughly four months. We encourage the commissioned individual or team to find opportunities for their project to find new homes or to be repurposed, or for project materials to be recycled or reused.

Who owns the rights to the commissioned design?
Copyrights are retained by those who create the design proposals. The aPA, Parkway Council, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) reserve the right to reproduce the finalist’s images of the design and installation for their own uses.

Will the project receive any publicity?
Yes, aPA, Parkway Council, and PPR will publicize the installation and seek media coverage

Will any public programming take place during the time the project is on view?
We will host an opening event as well as a talk with the commissioned artist or team. Additional programming may be offered.