Palmdale Invites California Artists to Transform Transportation Center into Public Art Landmark

PALMDALE, CA — The City of Palmdale is excited to announce a new public art initiative following the redesign of the roundabout at the Palmdale Transportation Center. Beyond enhancing traffic safety, this roundabout will serve as a vibrant canvas for sculptural artwork that celebrates the unique identity and cultural diversity of Palmdale.

The City is encouraging California-based artists or artist-led teams to apply to be considered for an original, family-friendly sculpture that honors Palmdale’s rich aerospace heritage, evokes local pride and reflects the beauty of the surrounding desert landscape. Visual themes highlighted throughout community feedback include Joshua trees, yucca, poppies, lakes, mountain vistas, sunsets, stars and the iconic blue skies of the region. 

“This project is a wonderful opportunity to blend functionality with creativity,” said Mayor Pro Tem Laura Bettencourt. “The new roundabout is more than a traffic circle, it’s a chance to create a lasting symbol of Palmdale’s history, culture and natural beauty.”

The all-inclusive project budget is $104,000, covering artist fees, fabrication, welding, engineering, equipment, transportation, installation, lodging and completion of the artwork. Selected artists will receive a $450 stipend to submit a color sketch or digital image of their proposed artwork to scale. Proposals must be original, suitable for all ages and align with community values. The selected artwork will enhance the roundabout while complying with City laws and safety codes. Applicants should demonstrate past excellence in creative work and the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a project team. Artists must reside in California and be 18 years or older at the time of submission.

Applications are due Sunday, November 16, 2025. Artists interested in this opportunity can access the application portal and detailed submission guidelines at www.CityofPalmdaleCA.gov/PublicArt.