06/17/2026
Artists! Create Cool Spot shade structures for Cambridge
Budgets up to $95,000
The City of Cambridge is seeking qualified artists, designers, and artist-led interdisciplinary teams to create Cool Spots: temporary, site-responsive shade structures that provide heat relief, foster community gathering, and spark public imagination regarding climate resilience.
Each selected artist or team will receive a budget of $80,000 to $95,000, inclusive of all costs from design through final installation. Apply and submit qualifications by Thursday, July 2: https://cac.slideroom.com/. Upon submission, applicants will also be considered for future Cambridge Arts public art opportunities.
To learn more about the project and application process, the City will be hosting a virtual Information Session on Zoom on Wednesday, June 17, at 6 p.m. Register: https://cambridgema.zoom.us/meeting/register/D2P0oLovQ1ijOHeYxr8HsA #/registration
Following the review of applications, finalists will be selected and invited to develop detailed design proposals in close consultation with City staff and community members. One team will be awarded the contract to design one or more structures in a public setting. Project sites will be determined during the design phase through collaboration with City staff and community input.
