Hanover Garage Percent for Art Commission

The City of Portsmouth’s Public Art Review Committee is commissioning a percent‑for‑art installation for the newly rehabilitated Hanover Garage in downtown Portsmouth. Artists (or artist teams) are invited to propose a mural, sculpture, lighting or projection artwork that enhances the garage’s public image and engages the community. The project budget is capped at $60,000 and must cover design, fabrication, installation, insurance and related costs. Proposals are due October 9, 2026; a non‑mandatory pre‑proposal meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026. The City will provide permitting assistance and oversight, while the artist is responsible for all creative and installation work. • Scope: Concept, design, fabrication, and installation of public artwork (murals preferred, but sculpture, lighting, or projection also considered). • Site: Five‑story, 350,000 sq ft garage with interior walls of concrete/paint and exterior brick panels; key surfaces include stairwells, elevator shaft, office/restroom wall, columns, and façade. • Budget: Maximum $60,000 (covers artist fees, materials, fabrication, transport, installation, insurance). • Timeline: Proposal due Oct 9 2026; finalist interviews week of Oct 19 2026; notifications approx. Nov 2 2026; project completion expected before the garage’s 20‑year service life ends. • Requirements: Artist CV, concept statement (≤3 pages), rendering, budget breakdown, schedule, portfolio images, references. • Evaluation: Site appropriateness, aesthetics, feasibility, artist experience.