Call for Artists for 6th Street Bridge, Neighborhood Safety & Riverfront Improvements Project

September 5, 2025 - ROCHESTER, MINN - The City of Rochester is seeking an artist or artist team with strong ties to Rochester or Olmsted County to collaborate on the 6th Street Bridge, Neighborhood Safety and Riverfront Improvements Project. This transformative project will create a new pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular bridge across the Zumbro River that emphasizes safety, accessibility and community connection.

The bridge will feature dedicated pedestrian and bicycling experiences, shaded seating areas and sweeping views of the river and city skyline. A key component of the project is the integration of public art, which will be woven directly into the design of the bridge's shade structure.

Up to 14 large-scale metal panels (11 feet high by 9 feet wide) will be incorporated into the structure, offering a unique opportunity for artistic expression. The selected artist will interpret the theme "The Future of Rochester" through an abstract design that elevates the experience of crossing the bridge.

Artist Eligibility & Expectations

• Applicants must demonstrate a connection to Rochester or Olmsted County.

• Strong conceptual skills and a collaborative approach are essential.

• The selected artist will work closely with the project's architects, engineers and community stakeholders.

• Technical drafting skills are not required; the design team will translate the artist's concepts into construction documents.

The selected artist or team will receive a $10,000 stipend to participate in virtual client and design team meetings, develop concepts and present updates. The artist will also participate in the Sixth Street Sessions on October 22, 2025, gathering input on what "The Future of Rochester" means to residents. These insights will inform the final artistic design.

Application Process

Applications are open and available on the 6th Street Bridge, Neighborhood Safety & Riverfront Improvements project website and close at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2025. Interested artists must submit through the designated form and include:

• Letter of intent

• Statement on the importance of civic art in Rochester (250 words max)

• Description of connection to Rochester/Olmsted County (250 words max)

• Reflection on collaboration (500 words max)

• Artistic approach to "The Future of Rochester" (500 words max)

• Up to 10 work samples

Project Timeline

• Now - Applications open

• September 19 - Applications close

• September 25-26 - Interviews (if needed)

• October 1 - Applicants notified

• October 10 - Artist contracted

• October 22 - Artist attends Community Open House

Late submissions will not be accepted.

For more information about 6th Street Project visit the 6th Street Bridge, Neighborhood Safety & Riverfront Improvement project website.

This project is funded in partnership with Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency (DMC-EDA), the Minnesota Department of Transportation and a Federal Raise Grant.