Canal Convergence 2026: Request for Temporary Public Art Proposals: Phase I

Visit https://scottsdalearts.org/explore-scottsdale-arts/canal-convergence/call-for-art-2026/ for more information and to download the RFP information documents.

Deadline: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Arizona time (year-round daylight standard time).  

Budget: We will accept budgets between $5,000 and $35,000 (USD).  

Eligibility: All local, regional, and international artists, artist teams, architects, designers, and multimedia specialists are invited to submit proposals. International artists who apply must include remote installation as an option in their proposals.  

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.  

Description: Canal Convergence seeks proposals for outdoor, temporary light-based public artwork to be featured in, around, and suspended above the Arizona Canal at the Scottsdale Waterfront in Scottsdale, Arizona. Canal Convergence will be on view for 10 days, from Nov. 6–15, 2026. Of the final selected artworks (typically between 8 and 15 artworks), one project may be selected to remain installed at the Scottsdale Waterfront for an additional month after the Canal Convergence event dates. This call specifically targets outdoor, light-based installations. Nighttime presence/activation is required; daytime presence/activation is encouraged.

Artwork Considerations for Canal Convergence 2026:

The following are different types or formats of art installations and recommended directions that Canal Convergence looks for when selecting artworks.

• Artwork that speaks to the 2026 featured theme, Most Western.
• Artwork that is designed for interaction, enabling the public to physically engage with the installation and elicit a direct reaction.
• An interactive artwork that three or more people can activate/engage with at one time.
• Artwork that can be suspended over the canal or over pathways, grass, etc.
• Artwork that is designed to float on the water in the Arizona canal.

This call is Phase I of II. Phase I asks artists to focus on the proposal concept, images, rendering, and estimated total budget. Once Phase I closes on April 9, 2026, up to 30 proposals will be selected for Phase II. Phase II artists will be asked to provide more detailed information on their proposals via a 30-minute online interview and a Phase II questionnaire.

All proposals must be submitted through the Submittable.com platform: https://scottsdalearts.submittable.com/submit

It is highly recommended that you review both documents before you submit your proposal via Submittable. Download the RFP Info Packet and Site Map Information here: https://scottsdalearts.org/explore-scottsdale-arts/canal-convergence/call-for-art-2026/