Erma Hayman House Sunroom Public Art Call for Qualifications
Applications Now Open
Application Opens: March 16, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. MT
Application Closes: April 16, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. MT
Information Session: April 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. | Register for Information Session
Artist Budget: $15,000
Contact: Lianna Hamby, email for questions or clarifications by April 13, 2026 | lhamby@cityofboise.org
Erma Hayman House Sunroom Public Art Call for Qualifications - APPY NOW
Opportunity
The Boise City Department of Art & History invites artists to submit qualifications for an opportunity to design and fabricate artwork for the Erma Hayman House sunroom ceiling. One artist or artist team will be selected and awarded $15,000 to collaborate with community, respond to feedback and reflect project goals, and create and deliver artwork for the site. Artwork must safely connect to an independently designed, approximately 11’ x 5’ hanging system with estimated 35 – 50 lb. weight limit. Artwork should have a minimum anticipated lifespan of five years. Installation of artwork will be coordinated with and managed by the City of Boise and may not exceed $500. The City intends to award the contract to one applicant; however, the City reserves the right to award more than one applicant, or no applicants if none are deemed acceptable.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to Idaho artists at least 18 years of age. Strong preference will be given to artists or teams not currently on contract with Arts & History or represented in the Public Art Collection.
Boise City Department of Arts & History does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or disability.
Background & Goals
The Department of Arts & History manages the Erma Hayman House, the former home of longstanding resident Erma Andre Madry Hayman (1907 – 2009). Erma Hayman spent most of her life in Idaho, and when racial discrimination prevented her and her husband from buying property elsewhere in Boise, the Haymans bought the stone house at 617 Ash Street. Mrs. Hayman worked hard her entire life, persevering through relentless job and wage discrimination, taking on many roles including small sewing jobs, helping repair aircraft, working as a sheet metal riveter, and as the display manager at a women’s clothing shop in downtown Boise. Mrs. Hayman was known to provide and care for those in need and was a vital advocate for her neighborhood and its often-overlooked residents. For more information visit the Erma Hayman House website.
Project Goals:
- Spirit of the site: Through collaboration with community members, the artwork should derive inspiration from Erma Hayman’s life and legacy.
- Functionality: Allow for flexible use of space, utilize existing hanging system.
- Visual interest: Create a sense of visual vibrancy.
In creating the artwork, the selected artist will collaborate with community members and ensure that the work safely connects to the city-provided hanging system (approximately 11’ x 5’ metal grid, estimated 35 – 50 lb. weight limit). Specific details will be provided to the selected artist. The artist will be responsible for artwork delivery and coordinating installation needs with the City.
Anticipated Project Timeline
- Call to Artists Released: March 16, 2026
- Application Info-Session: April 2, 2026, 12:00 pm MT - Register for Information Session
- Questions & Clarifications Due via Email: April 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m. MT
- Application Deadline: April 16, 2026, at 1 p.m. MT
- Artist Selected and Contract Executed: April – May 2026
- Community Engagement Plan Due: May 26, 2026
- Community Engagement and Design Worktime: June – July 2026
- Preliminary Reviews and Approvals: August 2026
- Design Modifications Worktime: September 2026
- Final Design Submitted: September 30, 2026
- Final Review and Approval: October 2026
- Fabrication of Artwork: November – December 2026
- Artwork Installation: January 2027
This timeline is intended to provide applicants a loose framework for project phase expectations and is subject to change.
Budget
The selected artist will be awarded a $15,000 contract to collaborate with community members and design, fabricate, transport, and oversee the installation of public artwork. This budget must cover all artist-related expenses including but not limited to fees, materials, transportation of the work, and incidentals. The artist must ensure that installation of the work does not exceed $500. Project administration, creating and installing the hanging system, and artwork installation will be coordinated, managed, and paid for separately by the City of Boise for a combined project total of $25,000.
Application Requirements
Access the Application: Apply Now - Erma Hayman House Sunroom Public Art Call for Qualifications
Online applications must be submitted through “Submittable” which allows free submissions and uniform review. Limit ONE submission per artist or artist team. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
The online application form requires the following information:
- Initial Application Questions: Complete the online initial application questions. If applying as a team include information for all team members.
- Statement of Interest (500 word maximum): Describe your interest in this project and include any relevant experience, skills, or qualifications that demonstrate your ability to achieve the project goals (engage with community members, follow project parameters, and create visual vibrancy). This is your argument for why you are a good fit for this project.
- Proposed Materials (250 word maximum): Briefly describe your proposed materials, your experience with them, and any techniques you’d like to use or explore.
- Past Work Examples: Provide three past work examples (one image each) that illustrate your visual aesthetic and demonstrate your ability to meet the defined project opportunity. At least two examples must include your proposed materials.
- Artist Resume: Upload a current artist resume and include any website or social media accounts relevant to your work as an artist within your resume document.
- AI Disclosure: Applicants must disclose any use of AI in the creation of artwork and/or application. If AI was used, please describe the nature, extent, and specific use. The use of AI will not disqualify applicants and will be shared with the selection panel.
Selection Criteria & Process
Artists will be selected by an independent selection panel that may consist of community members, an Arts & History commissioner, project experts, and an artist. Panelists will score applications on the following criteria:
- Eligibility and application completion (Pass/Fail)
- Artist fit and interest – 30 point maximum
- Appropriateness of materials – 20 point maximum
- Aesthetic considerations – 30 point maximum
- Evidence of ability to follow through – 20 point maximum
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
The City of Boise is proud to be a welcoming community striving to ensure a safe, equitable, and inclusive city that celebrates the diversity of people who live, work, and play in our community and recognizes the fundamental human dignity of all.
The City of Boise is committed to ensuring equal access to all public meetings, programs, and services. Reasonable accommodations and effective communication—such as ASL interpretation, materials in alternative formats and language access—are available at no cost to facilitate participation. To request an accommodation, please contact us at CommunityEngagement@cityofboise.org or call (208) 972-8500, TTY: 711.
