Apply to Be Prequalified

Application Open
Application is open through October 25, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. CST.
View the timeline for more information.

Application Residency Information

We are using the same application for both visual artists and public art support services.

There will be two separate applications for San Antonio area and Non-San Antonio area. The applications will be combined for both public art and support services.

San Antonio Area
San Antonio area residents includes those living and working in the following counties:
  • Bexar
  • Kendall
  • Comal
  • Guadalupe
  • Wilson
  • Atascosa
  • Medina
  • Bandera

When applying to the Artist Registry, you can select your city or zip code location from a pre-populated field.

Non-San Antonio Area

Non-San Antonio area residents includes those living and working outside of Bexar County and its surrounding counties listed above.

You will not be able to complete a profile on the Artist Registry.

Restriction on Communication

The applicant will agree to Section 2-61 of the City Code. Applicants for the Prequalified Public Art List are prohibited from communicating with the following about their application:

Timeline

September 16, 2024

Application opens at 8 a.m. CST.

October 21, 2024

Recommended date to create a profile on the Artist Registry. (Required for San Antonio area visual artist applicants.)

October 25, 2024

Application submission closes at 4:30 p.m. CST.

November 4 - 15, 2024

Evaluation and scoring of applications.

December 3, 2024

Public Art Committee approval.

December 10, 2024

San Antonio Arts Commission approval.

March 2025

  • City Council approval.
  • Decision notification to all applicants.

Apply

Step 1.Eligibility

Practicing professional visual artists may apply as an individual or as part of an artist group.

Arts agencies and/or nonprofit organizations who focus on visual arts may apply.

NOTE: Performing artists should not apply for the prequalified list unless they also create visual art due to funding guidelines.

Step 2.Create a Profile

Please review the application residency information.

Are you a San Antonio Area-based visual artist? Before applying, make sure you create a free profile at the San Antonio Artist Registry.

Non-San Antonio area artists should skip this step.

Create a Profile

NOTE: New profiles may take up to three business days to review and approve. You will need to provide a link to your active Artist Registry Profile when submitting your application.

Step 3.Apply

All applications must be submitted through GO Smart:

Apply

Once logged in, select Current Programs and Applications to apply.

For more information, find instructions and tips in the Resources section.

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

I am already Prequalified, should I reapply?
Your prequalification lasts for six years. Once your term has expired, the Department will send out emails to the email address you applied with to remind you to apply again.
I am already Prequalified and I want to update my application for new projects, can I do this?
If you have updates to your resume or portfolio, please make those changes to your:
How do I upload and/or attach work samples?
For San Antonio area visual artists, work samples should be uploaded to your:
  • San Antonio Artist Registry Profile
  • website
  • social media handles
Non-San Antonio visual artists or support service providers can upload work samples through:
  • your website
  • as an additional attachment in the application
The examples of the areas of work/practice mentioned in the materials do not list the services I offer. Can I still apply?
If you do not find a service in the provided options, there is a write-in option for this section of the application. There, you can provide a brief description of the service/practice.
Do I need to include my City Council District? What if I do not know my district?
If you are a resident of San Antonio, we encourage you to include your council district. To find your council district, use Find My Councilmember.
Should visual artists with limited experience apply to this call?
Applicants with a wide range of qualifications across all skill levels are encouraged to apply. This ensures our prequalified list has a wide range of artistic visions and experiences.
I am applying as a part of a visual artist team, should I create my profile and submit my application as an individual or as an organization?
Please create one unique application that identifies the team’s name. If you would also like to be considered individually, please submit a separate application.

Evaluation & Approval

Applicants are assessed by a panel of art experts who evaluate applications based on artistic merit and experience. The panel's recommendations must be approved by:

  • Public Art Committee
  • San Antonio Arts Commission
  • City Council

If approved for the Prequalified Public Art List, you are eligible for public art projects. This lasts for six years from the Council's approval date.

NOTE: Being on the Prequalified Public Art List does not guarantee work. Staff will contact you for future project opportunities that may arise.