Organizer Information:

CityCenterDC (Sponsor: CCDC Common Area Association). Palmer Alley at CityCenterDC is a premier outdoor space attracting more than 1.5 million visitors annually, known for its seasonal, overhead installations.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the CityCenterDC Public Art Installation: 250 Years of American Style.

To recognize the 250th anniversary of the United States, CityCenterDC will select one site-specific, temporary public art installation to be installed in Palmer Alley for up to six months. The work should offer a clear and compelling interpretation of American style (drawing from fashion, graphic language, identity, cultural symbolism, movement, or material exploration). The scale is intimate but architectural, and the installation will be encountered casually, experienced in motion, and must be adaptable to an urban, outdoor environment.

Category:

Public Art, Site-Specific Installation, & Multidisciplinary Design.

Eligibility:

  • Who: Open to professional artists, designers, architects, and creative teams who are legal residents of the United States and its territories and are 18 years of age or older. Multidisciplinary practices and fashion-forward perspectives are encouraged.
  • Originality: The Submission must be the original work of the Entrant, and cannot have been submitted previously in a promotion or contest of any kind.
  • Secrecy: Entrants agree NOT to post, publish, display, discuss, comment on their Submission on a public forum, or build/fabricate their Concept anywhere before the announcement of the Winner.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Award: The winner will be awarded $10,000.
  • Production Budget: A budget of up to $100,000 for design, fabrication, and installation.
  • Fabrication Support: The selected artist/team will work with an experienced local fabricator to ensure the work is executed with care and durability.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: None

Application Requirements:

Submissions must be in English and include:

  1. Concept Overview: A brief written description (max 300 words) outlining the idea, intent, and relevance to the Project.
  2. Visual Representation: Renderings, sketches, diagrams, or other visual materials sufficient to communicate the Concept. (Note: A folder of source materials/site specs is available to download on their site to help craft this).
  3. Artist/Team Background: Resume or CV and 3–5 examples of relevant past work.
  4. Preliminary Considerations: High-level thoughts on materials, scale, and installation approach. (Final engineering is not required at this stage).

How to Apply?

Submit your application materials via the official CityCenterDC online portal.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: April 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.
  • Finalist Review & Interviews: April 27, 2026.
  • Selected Artist Announced: April 30, 2026.
  • Installation Period: June 12, 2026 – mid-November 2026 (subject to production schedule).

Location:

Palmer Alley at CityCenterDC, Washington, D.C., USA.

Contact Information:

Inquiries Email: CCDCCallForArtists@hines.com (Must be submitted no later than April 15, 2026).

Website & Application Link: https://www.citycenterdc.com/250style/