Know Your Rights: Artist Proposal Submission Form

OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS Know Your Rights Campaign — Public Art & Outreach Initiative
Application Deadline: April 21, 2026
Project Launch: June 2026 (Immigrant Heritage Month)
Artist Stipend: $4,000

The City of Somerville, through the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA) and a designated Review Committee, invites artists with immigrant backgrounds to submit proposals for vibrant, joyful, and Somerville-centered artwork to anchor our 2026 Know Your Rights campaign.

The selected design will be adapted for multiple public-facing formats, including:
- BlueBikes station ad panels
  PBSC panel: 57.75" x 37.875" - Large/8D panel: 67.69" x 37.5"
- Big Belly trash can ad panels ( 18”x13” )
- Posters & printed materials ( 11”x17” )
- Paper Napkins (for distribution at local restaurants, cafes, community events) (6.5” x 6.5” )
- Projected visual displays at select evening events and building facades (Aspect ratios: 16:9 and 4:5)
The goal is to celebrate the vibrancy, diversity, and resilience of Somerville’s immigrant communities while increasing visibility and accessibility of Know Your Rights information citywide. This project draws inspiration from past Somerville public art calls emphasizing community connection, innovation, and public accessibility (and follows the City’s commitment to supporting local, culturally-rooted creative expression).
Contact Information*

First NameLast Name
Phone NumberEmail Address
Website/PortfolioAny Somerville Affiliation
Artist Statement (max 300 words)
Describe your background as an artist, including your immigrant identity if you wish to share it, and what draws you to this project.*
Concept Description (max 300 words)
Outline your proposed art concept. Describe its themes, colors, tone, and how it celebrates immigrant experiences in Somerville. Please ensure all links are publicly accessible (no login or special permissions required) *
Work Samples
Please include any Links of previous work demonstrating your capacity for public art, illustration, design, or community-centered projects. *
Please upload thumbnails of up to 7 images of previous work demonstrating your capacity for public art, illustration, design, or community-centered projects.

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For this project, we are relying on the artist’s ability to format one visual design to many different sizes and styles.
Please confirm that you have the capabilities to adjust one design appropriately. Please explain what your experience with this kind of work is. *
Resume or Bio
(1–2 pages)

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For questions, please contact:

Karim L. Razzaz

Multilingual Public Information Coordinator
Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs
soia@somervillema.gov • 617-625-6600
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OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS Know Your Rights Campaign — Public Art & Outreach Initiative

Artist Statement (max 300 words)

Concept Description (max 300 words)

Work Samples

For this project, we are relying on the artist’s ability to format one visual design to many different sizes and styles.

Resume or Bio