City of Glendale Storefront Art Program

The City of Glendale's Library, Arts & Culture Department, in partnership with the Arts & Culture Commission (ACC), administers the Storefront Art Program to enrich the city’s cultural landscape. This initiative leverages vacant storefronts across Glendale to host temporary public art installations. The purpose of the program is to increase community engagement, enhance the visual landscape, and foster civic pride through accessible, professional-quality art. A core goal of this initiative is to promote the city’s identity and connect passersby with their surroundings via curated visual experiences in underutilized spaces. The program invites submissions from both emerging and established artists, with a preference for Glendale-based applicants if qualifications are otherwise equal. Artists may apply as individuals or as part of a group, though only one submission per individual or group is allowed. Group applicants must ensure that all participating artists sign a Release of Liability and Indemnity Agreement, in addition to the standard application form and design template. All selected participants will be scheduled for site visits with city staff to ensure the proposed work is suitable for the chosen space. Notably, City of Glendale employees are not eligible to apply. Applicants must submit their proposals using the online form located at the bottom of the official webpage. Although there is no stated deadline, submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed in the order received. The selection committee, composed of a Commissioner from the ACC and Glendale representatives, evaluates proposals based on quality, relevance, and feasibility. Finalists will be interviewed and must agree to the terms outlined in the City’s Temporary Art Display Agreement if selected. Notifications are sent by email and/or formal letter. Accepted media include a wide array of visual and installation art such as painting, photography, sculpture, animation, stained glass, and mixed media. Preference is given to artwork that is three-dimensional, has audiovisual components, or is viewable after dark. However, all works must be appropriate for general audiences and adaptable to variable storefront dimensions. There are installation restrictions: objects must not be screwed into walls, must not exceed five pounds if suspended from ceilings, and must be placed on tarps if there is potential to damage the floor. Artists are responsible for the installation and removal of their artwork and are expected to coordinate with LAC staff during business hours. They must bring any necessary equipment such as ladders, lighting, and protective materials. Selected works may be promoted through city-owned media channels including websites, television, and social media. By participating, artists grant the city unrestricted rights to document and use images or recordings of their work for promotional purposes. Although efforts will be made to credit artists, the city is not liable for any errors in attribution. In terms of legal and insurance obligations, selected artists are required to comply with Glendale’s insurance and liability standards and must sign a Release of Liability and Indemnity Agreement. For more detailed information, applicants are encouraged to review the City’s Temporary Art Policy. Any questions about the application or the program should be directed to artsandculture@glendaleca.gov.

Ensure artwork is age-appropriate, ready for dimensional adjustments, and compliant with hanging and material restrictions.