RFQ Smithfield Street Sculptural Lighting, Pittsburgh, PA

Download the full RFQ

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is collaborating with the City of Pittsburgh to redesign the streetscape on Smithfield Street between Forbes and Sixth Avenues. A study conducted by SmithGroup identified many opportunities to improve the experience of this historic Downtown location including better connection to Market Square and Mellon Square, improved transit amenities, and a better pedestrian experience. Planned enhancements include new planters and street trees, wider sidewalks, improved crosswalks, and raised intersections. The project is currently in the construction document phase and will begin construction in 2026.

 

Building on their long-term commitment to working with artists to create permanent and temporary artworks, PDP is seeking to commission one artist to create six permanent sculptures with a lighting component in this corridor. To take advantage of the opportunity to collaborate with the project engineers and prepare the location for artwork, infrastructure for the artwork including electrical junction boxes and 2’x2’ foundations to support the six sculptures will be installed along with other street improvements starting in 2026. Artwork will be installed at the end of construction in Fall 2028.

The RFQ is open to individuals and artist-led teams that have at least one visual artist. Three finalists will receive a $5,000 honorarium to develop conceptual designs. One selected artist will be awarded a $15,000 commission design fee, with an implementation budget of $300,000 for the final installation.

Please submit an application using the Slideroom platform here:

https://publicart.slideroom.com

07/21/2025