This picture shows the Raleigh Convention Center and downtown Raleigh.

Raleigh Convention Center Public Art

Raleigh Arts | A Percent for Art Project


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Public Art at the Raleigh Convention Center Facade Activation Interactive Public Art on the Plaza About the Project Timeline

Public Art at the Raleigh Convention Center

The City of Raleigh seeks to hire artists or artist teams to create public artwork as part of the Raleigh Convention Center expansion. There will be two opportunities for artists. Learn more about the project scope, how to apply, and read the artist calls for both opportunities below.

Facade Activation

The City of Raleigh is looking for an artist or artist team to create an iconic public artwork for the facade of the expanded Raleigh Convention Center. The public art should be highly visible from the exterior and could include outdoor facade treatments, integration into the glass windows, or interior suspended sculptures. The artist/team will be working closely with the design team, and on a tight design timeline, to integrate the artwork into the building.

This project has a total budget up to $1,600,000. Final budget is dependent on approved designs and cost estimates. The selected artist will be awarded a contract for conceptual design proposal with an estimated budget. Upon acceptance of the concept proposal, the artist will receive a fabrication contract.

Deadline to apply: November 2, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.
Artist call will be posted soon.

Interactive Public Art on the Plaza

The City of Raleigh is looking for an artist or artist team to create permanent, outdoor, interactive artwork(s) as part of the expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center. The artwork(s) will be located in future green space planned along Dawson Street. Artists should consider how to create durable experiences that encourage playful interaction, support moments of engagement for both local residents and new visitors to the City, and enhance a high traffic area. This could happen through innovative use of color, light, or materials or through thoughtful integration of amenities into artwork infrastructure.

This project has a total budget up to $500,000. Final budget is dependent on approved designs and cost estimates. The selected artist will be awarded a contract for conceptual design proposal with an estimated budget. Upon acceptance of the concept proposal, the artist will receive a fabrication contract.

Deadline to apply: November 2, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.
Artist call will be posted soon.

About the Project

Since opening in 2008, the Raleigh Convention Center has become a bustling hub for culture, commerce, and technology in downtown Raleigh. The 500,000 square-foot facility includes a ballroom and sweeping exhibit hall. Located steps away from Red Hat Amphitheater and the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, and home to Raleigh’s iconic Shimmer Wall public artwork, it sits at the epicenter of the city’s entertainment district.  

Design is underway for the expansion of the RCC as well as the relocation of Red Hat Amphitheater. These projects offer the opportunity to create new public art that will be in a highly visible, high traffic area. Applicants are encouraged to think about how the art can reflect the cultural and creative character of downtown Raleigh and establish the RCC campus as an art destination. 

Learn more about the RCC expansion

Timeline

These projects have tight timelines for design and artists will need to be fully engaged in design during 2026 to meet the deadline for integrating their artwork into the design plans for the building.  

DateActivity
January to May 2026Concept Design and Engagement 
June to October 2026Final Design and Construction Drawings   
2027 to 2028    Fabrication (dependent on methods and materials)
2029Installation (dependent on methods and materials)

Contact

 

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

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

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

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