The Salt Lake City Arts Council’s Public Art Program has commissioned internationally recognized artist Matthew Mazzotta to lead a community-driven public art installation at Glendale Park. For over 20 years, Mazzotta has worked at the intersection of art, activism, and urbanism, creating immersive experiences that engage communities in shaping public spaces. His signature approach, which includes convening community members in “Outdoor Living Rooms,” brings diverse voices into the civic process to influence the final artwork. This award marks the Public Art Program's largest-ever single commission on the West Side.
“This new park design is such a mega project for West Side residents,” Mazzotta said. “I'm so glad the design also includes the creation of a new public artwork that represents those that live around the park. The way this public art opportunity was developed is that it focuses on amplifying those voices that are often not at the table. As we build this community-engaged artwork it will focus on listening to the various communities so we can create a powerful and meaningful artwork.”
Mazzotta’s notable projects include The Storefront Theater (Lyons, NE), Wrapped in Sunbeams (Los Angeles, CA), Cloud House (Springfield, MO), Open House (York, AL), and Home (Tampa International Airport). His public art projects have been named “Architecture Project of the Year” from the Dezeen Awards, Huffington Post’s “9 Design Projects Tackling America's Poverty Crisis, One Community At A Time,” and have received international art and architecture awards such as the Architizer A+ Award, Azure’s AZ Award, CODAawards, WAN Award, and Americans for the Arts.
Through his process, each project starts by creating temporary public spaces for listening — an Outdoor Living Room — as a way to capture voices from local people who might not attend more formal meetings. Stemming from this approach are experiences that involve people from a range of backgrounds working together to redefine their collective identity. Mazzotta’s philosophy aligns with the vision for Glendale Park’s installation, to foster community dialogue and create a site-specific, meaningful artwork.
Salt Lake City residents of all interests and backgrounds are invited to the following events to meet the artist and influence the artwork Mazzotta will create for Glendale Park.
- Thursday, April 24, 6-8pm, Rose Park Smiths Grocery Store, 1174 W 600 N
- Saturday, April 26, 1-3pm, International Peace Gardens, 1060 S 900 W — Note: This Outdoor Living Room will take place within the Art @ The Gardens event presented by Glendale Community Council from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Public art brings people together, sparks conversations, and highlights what makes our City special,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “This installation at Glendale Park is another historic investment in the West Side, giving local voices a platform and creating a welcoming space for everyone. I’m excited to see this project come to life with input from the community, making it a true reflection of the people who call this neighborhood home.”
The Glendale Park project will be a landmark public art installation for Salt Lake City’s West Side. It will be located within the future 21-acre Glendale Park, the city’s largest Public Lands investment in over 60 years. This park is part of a more than 100-acre green space network, which includes the Jordan River Parkway, 17th South River Park, and the Glendale Golf Course.
Process and Timeline
Following a call for artists (Request for Qualifications) in July and August 2024, the project received 145 applications from artists across the U.S. A panel of stakeholders — including the Salt Lake Art Design Board, Salt Lake City Arts Council, Public Lands staff, University Neighborhood Partners, Salt Lake City School District, and West Side community representatives — reviewed the submissions and selected four finalists, who provided in-person interviews and presentations. After careful consideration, the Salt Lake Art Design Board unanimously recommended Mazzotta for the commission, a decision later approved by Mayor Mendenhall. Mazzotta was selected based on his experience, philosophy, and ability to translate community needs and aspirations into meaningful public artworks.
The project structure was informed by the Mayor’s Goal Engagement Report, which emphasizes an artist-led, community-driven approach to public art. This structure has also informed the 400 South Viaduct Trail Project, another Salt Lake City public artwork currently under development. Mazzotta’s community engagement sessions, taking place in spring and early summer 2025, will shape the concept for the artwork. The final design will be presented to the Salt Lake Art Design Board and the Mayor for approval in Summer 2025. Fabrication and installation will take place between 2025 and 2028, with the completed artwork unveiled in early 2028.
This public art commission is funded by the voter-approved GO Bond, which allocates 1.5% for public art, as well as additional funding from Salt Lake City Council for a West Side public art installation.
For updates on this project and other work by the Public Art Program, follow @slc_publicartprogram on Instagram. The Public Art Program is a service of the Salt Lake City Arts Council, a division of Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development.
