City of Glendale Storefront Art Program

The Storefront Art Program is a community-based public art initiative collaboratively developed by the City of Glendale's Library, Arts & Culture Department and the Arts and Culture Commission (ACC). Its mission is to beautify Glendale by transforming vacant storefronts into vibrant displays of professional-quality art that celebrate and reflect the local community. This program aims to increase public engagement with the arts, enhance the city’s cultural environment, and foster a strong sense of community identity. By partnering with property owners, realtors, and developers, the City seeks to expand these storefront art installations across Glendale’s commercial corridors. Eligibility for the Storefront Art Program is open to both new and established artists residing in the local and regional areas. Applicants may apply individually or as a group. However, each applicant—individual or group—is limited to one submission. Group submissions require a signed Release of Liability and Indemnity Agreement from each participating member. Although artists from outside Glendale are welcome to apply, the selection committee may give preference to Glendale-based artists if other factors are equal. Employees of the City of Glendale are not eligible to apply. Interested applicants must complete and submit an online application form located at the bottom of the program’s webpage. Applicants are required to upload artwork samples that closely resemble what will be installed. These samples will be used during the selection process to assess artistic alignment with the program’s goals. Artwork should be appropriate for all ages and must adhere to installation specifications, including size adaptability, safety limitations (e.g., weight limits for hanging objects), and avoidance of damage to facility structures. Artists are responsible for installing and deinstalling their work, with support from Library, Arts & Culture staff. They must also supply their own installation materials, such as ladders, lighting, tarps, or sheeting. A wide range of visual and installation media will be considered, including painting, photography, sculpture, graphic arts, animation, mosaics, and mixed media. The program prioritizes pieces that include audiovisual elements, three-dimensionality, or nighttime visibility. However, submissions must not involve artwork that could damage the physical property. A detailed list of unacceptable artwork is referenced in the program guidelines. Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis by a selection committee made up of an Arts & Culture Commissioner and Glendale City staff. Finalists are selected for interviews to discuss their proposals in more detail, after which approved artists are offered a temporary contract and assigned a storefront unit. Selected artists are required to sign the City of Glendale's Temporary Art Display Agreement and comply with all relevant insurance and liability requirements. There is no fixed application deadline; submissions are accepted year-round. The City may promote selected installations via its official website, government television (GTV), and regional media platforms. By participating, artists grant the City permission to photograph, record, and publicly disseminate their artwork for promotional purposes, with best efforts made to attribute proper credit. Questions regarding the program can be directed via email to [email protected].