---
title: "Request for proposals (RFP)"
description: "A call asking artists to submit a specific concept (design, budget, timeline) so the selection panel chooses both the artist and the artwork at once."
glossary: "https://www.civiccollection.com/glossary"
source: "https://www.civiccollection.com/glossary/request-for-proposals"
---

# Request for proposals (RFP)

> A call asking artists to submit a specific concept (design, budget, timeline) so the selection panel chooses both the artist and the artwork at once.

Glossary: https://www.civiccollection.com/glossary  
Source: https://www.civiccollection.com/glossary/request-for-proposals

The RFP-versus-RFQ choice is the most consequential fork in a commissioning
process. An RFP front-loads creative work: every applicant designs before
anyone is paid, which suits small projects with tight timelines but asks the
whole field to speculate on one job.

Most artist-advocacy guidance prefers an RFQ-first process for significant
commissions: select a shortlist on past work, then pay finalists an
honorarium to develop concepts. If an RFP is the right tool, the respectful
version keeps the required submission light (concept sketch, not
construction drawings) and is honest in the call about how much unpaid work
it's asking for.

Related terms: [Request for qualifications (RFQ)](https://www.civiccollection.com/glossary/request-for-qualifications), [Call for artists](https://www.civiccollection.com/glossary/call-for-artists), [Honorarium](https://www.civiccollection.com/glossary/honorarium)

## Mentioned in

- [How to Evaluate Public Art Mapping Software](https://www.civiccollection.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-public-art-mapping-software)
- [RFP language for procuring a public art guide](https://www.civiccollection.com/toolkit/rfp-language-for-procuring-a-public-art-guide)