Sunflowers and other plants on the outside walls of a tunnel

Greenways Public Art

Raleigh Arts | A Percent for Art Project


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Public Art on the Greenways Tunnel Artist Call Sewer Riser Artist Call About the Project Public Engagement Timeline

Public Art on the Greenways

The City of Raleigh is seeking artists to create new public art on the Greenway. There will be two opportunities, seeking up to five (5) artists total. Learn more about the project scope, how to apply, and read the artist calls for both opportunities below.

Tunnel Artist Call

Pedestrian tunnel entrance

Tunnel at Lake Boone Trail on the House Creek Trail. Final locations will be provided by Raleigh Arts to semi-finalists for their proposals.

Three (3) artist/artist teams will be selected to create durable public art on tunnel entrances or wing walls along the Raleigh Greenway. Artwork may consist of ceramic or mosaic art, fabricated metalwork, or similar installations with long-lasting materials. Each award will have a project budget of $30,000. 

Art should be durable and made of materials that will last outdoors with minimal maintenance. Artists should consider how the art will help create welcoming and safe environments along the trail and provide unexpected moments that make daily walks, runs, and bike rides more engaging. Six semi-finalists will be chosen to submit a detailed project proposal for an honorarium of $250.

Deadline to apply: November 20, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.

Read the RFQ
Apply Online

Read the complete artist call document (RFQ) to learn about the timeline, selection process, and more.

Sewer Riser Artist Call

A cyclist rides past a sewer riser on the greenway.

Example of a sewer riser along Walnut Creek Trail. Final sewer riser locations will be assigned to selected artists by the Raleigh Arts team.

Two (2) artist/artist teams will be selected to create public art on existing infrastructure along the Raleigh Greenway. Each artist/team will be assigned up to five (5) sewer risers in a designated area to paint. Each award has a budget of $5,000.

Artists should consider how their art might communicate across all assigned risers, offering opportunities to create a narrative or explore a theme across multiple canvases. Paint should be long-lasting and artists should consider using an anti-graffiti and/or UV resistant topcoat to promote durability.

Deadline to apply: November 20, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.

Read the RFQ
Apply Online

Read the complete artist call document (RFQ) to learn about the timeline, selection process, and more.

About the Project

In January of 2020, the City of Raleigh’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department began a two-year process to update the Capital Area Greenway Master Plan. Now complete, the plan addresses the growing needs of a city that’s experienced extraordinary change in the last 30 years. 

In 2022, the City of Raleigh Parks Bond was passed, allocating some funding for implementing public art along the Greenway system. The plan prioritizes investment in existing trails, including opportunities for public art.

Learn more about the Capital Area Greenway Master Plan

Public Engagement

In 2025, the public art team, working with local nonprofit Oaks and Spokes, hosted a series of public bike rides to help identify what locations and type of art were desired to make the Greenway more vibrant, welcoming, and reflective of the Raleigh community. It also conducted public survey.

See PublicInput page

Timeline

DateActivity
Fall 2024–Fall 2026Public Engagement
Winter 2026Artist Selection
Spring 2027Artist Public Engagement
Summer 2027 – Fall 2027Design and Fabrication
2027Project Complete

Contact

 

Kelly McChesney
Public Art Director
kelly.mcchesney@raleighnc.gov

Kelly Marks
Public Art Project Manager
kelly.marks@raleighnc.gov

Julia Whitfield
Public Art Community Engagement Coordinator
julia.whitfield@raleighnc.gov

Department:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Service Categories:
Raleigh Arts
Related Services:
Public Art

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