Carbondale Creative District Public Art Call to Artist: Murals + Sculpture
As part of the Creative District program, Carbondale Arts is commissioning 5 murals and 3 sculptures for the Carbondale Creative District’s newest public art park. This area, located along Highway 133 north of the RFTA Park and Ride, serves as a gateway into Carbondale and is part of the the Public Art Area adjacent to the Carbondale Storage Unit project.
The murals will range in size from 30’x9’ to 60’x9’. The three sculpture locations will each accommodate sculptures up to 8’ tall and 4’ wide and deep.
This public art area will serve as an extension of the Rio Grande ARTway and contribute to the creative character and identity of Carbondale.
Eligibility: Artists, designers and muralists over 18. Artist teams are welcome to apply
Application Deadline: January 22, 2024
Project Budget: $4,000-$7,500 per mural or sculpture
Request for Qualifications:
We are seeking qualifications from individuals or teams of artists, designers, muralists, and sculptors who are interested in participating. Qualifications must demonstrate successful work at a similar scale and scope. Submissions should include a letter of interest, work samples, and a resume. Applicants must be able to carry out the scope of work in its entirety. Artists are encouraged, but not required, to think about how their work and/or process might engage the community before, during, or after the installation. Local artists will be given priority, but the call is open to all artists.
Letters of Interest should be no more than 1 page in length and describe why this project is of interest and how their work/process will create a connection to Carbondale. If the artist has an idea of what they would like to produce for the site, we encourage a simple conceptual description. Please do not develop a full conceptual rendering at this time. Please also note your availability, or any exceptions, to produce the work within the provided timeline. Sculpture artist should note if they are proposing an existing work or the creation of a new work.
Work Samples should include at least 5, and no more than 10, images with titles and descriptions. Samples will ideally show works of similar scope and scale and demonstrate the artist's body of work. We would like to gain a sense of the artist’s methods, style and/or process that they would like to pursue for this project.
Resumes or CV’s should be included for all artist or team members and identify any professional creative endeavors, gallery shows, public art commissions, or other relevant work.
Application:
The application period has ended.
Email michael@carbondalearts.com with any questions.
Selection Process:
A selection committee of Carbondale Arts, Creative District, and Storage Unit representatives will review and score the qualifications based on three criteria; artistic merit, ability to deliver, and relevance to Carbondale.
Artistic Merit: The artist has produced work of high quality and offers a creative approach/process that will be unique for Carbondale.
Ability to Deliver: The artist has completed works of similar scope and scale and demonstrates professionalism.
Relevance to Carbondale: The artist’s style, process, or body of work could address or enhance the character of our community.
Artist Expectations:
Selected artists will be required to sign an agreement. Mural Artists will be asked to develop designs for approval before painting. The first round will include 2-3 concept sketches. The 2nd round will develop the preferred concept and a final design to be submitted prior to installation. If selected, sculpture artists may submit existing work or propose a new work to be approved through a design review. Sculptures must be durable and considered permanent. Sculpture artist should propose their preferred approach in the letter of intent.
Compensation
Selected Mural Artists will receive up to $6,000 to include all design, material, and installation fees. Equipment for installation will be provided by Carbondale Arts.
Selected Sculpture Artists will receive up to $7,500 to include all artist fees and transportation of the sculpture to the site. Cost of installation will be the responsibility of Carbondale Arts. Sculptures will be purchased as part of the permanent collection of the Carbondale Creative District.
Selected out of town artists will be eligible for an additional lodging per diem for the dates of the Public Art Showcase.
Tentative Timeline (Subject to Change)
October 15 Call to Artist issued
January 22 Call to Artist DEADLINE
January 25 Submission Review
January 30 Artist Notifications
February 19 Mural Concepts Submitted and Sculpture
April 1st Mural Designs Submitted
April 22nd Mural Installation Period Begins
May 1st - 3rd Public Art Showcase (artist strongly encouraged to participate)
May 3rd Mural Installations Completed (Carbondale First Friday)