Sonoma County Announces Call to Artists for Design of Permanent Public Fire Memorial

SANTA ROSA, CA – The County of Sonoma is seeking proposals from qualified artists or artist teams to design, create and install artwork honoring the victims of the devastating 2017 wildfires and commemorating the community’s resilience.

“The 2017 wildfires forever changed Sonoma County,” said Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “This memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to those who lost their lives, a testament to the enduring spirit of our community, and a space for reflection and healing.”

The memorial will be situated in Nagasawa Community Park in Santa Rosa, a 33-acre park, which offers a serene environment for remembrance. The selected artist will work closely with the Sonoma County Fire Memorial Task Force, a dedicated group of community members committed to creating a meaningful memorial.

Central to creating the Fire Memorial is a collaborative design process led by the selected artist in close partnership with the community. Through workshops and public meetings, the artist will gather insights and stories from residents, ensuring the final design reflects the community’s spirit and the personal experience of the event.

“This is a significant opportunity for an artist to create a powerful and lasting symbol of our community’s strength and compassion,” said Tara Thompson, director of Creative Sonoma. “We encourage artists with experience in designing public art installations and a sensitivity to the complexities of community engagement to apply.”

The selected artist will receive up to $320,000 for the project, covering all costs associated with design, fabrication, installation, materials, and community engagement.

The selection process will be conducted in two stages. All submissions will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness. The Fire Memorial Task Force will then select finalists based on artistic excellence, experience with public art and community engagement, and sensitivity to the project’s purpose. Finalists will be invited to present their qualifications and proposed approach to completing the project.

The application materials and complete details about the project, selection criteria, and timeline are available at: https://www.creativesonoma.org/fire/. Submissions are due electronically by July 19, 2024.

Creative Sonoma is Sonoma County’s local arts agency dedicated to supporting and advancing the creative community. The agency offers programs and services in professional development, arts education, grants, and public art.
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Media Contact:
Tara Thompson
Creative Sonoma
tara.thompson@sonoma-county.org
707-565-6120