Q&A

Live answers from our virtual information sessions, site tours, and email inquiries. This page updates as new questions come in.

July 23, 2026 · Virtual Info Session

9 answers

Q. Why isn't this an RFQ? RFPs are a lot of work up front unpaid, which is risky for working artists, especially for a commission of this scale.
A. This initiative is an open public design competition.
Q. Can you also talk about how the community will collaborate on projects that have been proposed?
A. The community will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the 12 semi-finalists via an art exhibition. Once the 3 winners are announced, we will share insight from the community to support refining the designs.
Q. Can you repeat the time(s) for the walk-throughs on Aug 4th? I will be traveling from NY.
A. The tour will take place on August 4th from 1 PM – 4 PM.
Q. Can you also talk about the selection professionals that will judge feasibility of proposed concepts and about their experience with the bespoke built environments?
A. Our jury is made up of representatives from each of our partners: Baltimore City Department of Transportation, Baltimore City Department of Planning, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, Visit Baltimore, Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Ravens, Office of the Mayor, Mayor's Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (MOACE), Maryland Stadium Authority, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Create Baltimore, and BCT Design Group.
Q. Is there a way to record and post the site walk for those of us at our day jobs or not currently local?
A. The tour will be recorded and posted on the website for those who weren't able to attend to experience the tour.
Q. Is collaboration with brands accepted — i.e., paint companies that make materials for art specifically?
A. Collaborations and/or the use of AI tools will need to be shared in the application.
Q. How many submissions move forward to the second round?
A. 12 semi-finalists will be selected and will each receive $25k. From the 12 semi-finalists, 3 winners will be selected and will receive an additional $50k.
Q. Can the submissions be multi-disciplined?
A. Yes, submissions can be multi-disciplined.
Q. Will the three winning submissions definitely get built?
A. The intention of the design competition is to build the winning designs.

Have a question we haven’t answered yet? Email info@designbaltimoregateways.com — approved answers are posted here so the whole community stays in the loop.