Wanted: Manhattan Beach Artists
May 07, 2023 09:56PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Bruce's Beach Park is a blank slate awaiting a significant new piece of artwork. Photo via city of Manhattan Beach.
Calling all Manhattan Beach artists: Here's your chance to get recognized and make your mark on the city. The city has not one or two but three opportunities for Manhattan Beach artists to share their works:
Bruce's Beach Park Artwork
The city's request for proposals for a monumental piece of artwork for Bruce's Beach Park has been extended for the second time. The new deadline is June 30, 2023.
The city seeks to commission an original, site-specific sculptural artwork to honor the history and legacy of the Bruce’s Beach neighborhood. According to the city, the artwork "should evoke a sense of peace, healing, and community, and offer an educational opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of this area." The total budget for the project is not to exceed $350,000 (all inclusive), which will come from the city's Public Art Trust Fund.
This project is open to all professional artists and artist teams with public art experience, ages 21 and older. Eligible applicants must have successfully completed a commissioned large scale public or private art project of similar scope. More details are available here.
Utility Box Beautification
The city of Manhattan Beach and the Cultural Arts Commission
are seeking proposals for artwork to be installed on utility boxes
throughout the city.

The Utility Box Beautification Project is a public art program designed to transform traffic control utility boxes into unique works of art. Phase I of this project was completed in 2019 and included 11 locations. There are 12 available utility boxes in the current phase (Phase 2).
For this project, Manhattan Beach residents, students, and those who work in the city of Manhattan Beach will receive preference. There is a $600 stipend for each accepted project. The deadline to apply is May 31. More details are available here.
Annual Community Art Exhibition
Manhattan Beach's Parks and Rec Department is now accepting submissions for the city's Annual Community Exhibition. This exhibition gives a chance for local artists to display their best works. Artists of all ages are eligible to enter.

Artists may submit up to two pieces for consideration using this application. The deadline to apply is June 5.
The exhibition will run at the Manhattan Beach Art Center from July 28 through October 8.