Deadline: Friday, February 1, 2019 at 4 p.m.
The City of Guelph invites artists and artist collectives with exterior mural experience to submit their credentials, examples of prior experience and a preliminary vision for the development and execution of one of four site-specific, outdoor murals as part of Ontario’s Main Street Revitalization Initiative.
For this project there are four separate, yet connected, sites along Wilson Street. While artists are able to submit qualifications and letters of intent for all four sites, artists or artist collectives will only be awarded a single commission and one artist or collective will be selected per site.
This call follows a two-stage selection process. The first stage is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Design concepts are not required at this time.
Location
The following sites along Wilson Street have been identified for public art murals. Please identify which site you are applying for in your Letter(s) of Intent.
Site A: Market side wall
- 12.4’ x 5.8’ = 71.92 square feet
- Completed remotely using aluminum composite panels. Installation done by third party and organized by City. Overseen by selected artist.
- Budget: $3,000
Site B: Wooden inlet (old fire door) on west side of City Hall.
- 12.8’ x 9.2’ = 117.76 square feet
- The wood will be sanded in advance of the artist beginning work (the wall will need to be cleaned and a primer coat applied (suitable for latex) prior to the mural application.
- Completed onsite during the month of September, 2019
- Scaffolding will need to be procured by the artist
- Budget: $5,000
Site C: Underpass wall – City Hall/Guelph Farmers’ Market side
- 61’ x 11’ = 671 square feet
- Completed remotely using aluminum composite panels. Installation done by third party and organized by City. Overseen by selected artist.
- Budget: $30,000
Site D: Underpass wall – Parkade side
- 72’ x 11’ = 792 square feet
- Completed remotely using aluminum composite panels. Installation done by third party and organized by City. Overseen by selected artist.
- Budget: $34,000
Project overview and design parameters
The artwork for the Main Street mural project should support the vibrancy of the location and help enhance the pedestrian realm and sense of place, while beautifying the streetscape.
The artwork in these public spaces should celebrate community spirit and take into account the neighbourhood’s identity and the cultural, historical, and natural attributes of the site.
The artwork must adhere to the following design parameters:
- be an outdoor mural installation, suitable for exhibition in a public space
- reflect community history, culture and civic pride
- support revitalization and economic activity
- be appropriate for the site in scale, execution, materials and creativity
- must not promote violence, hatred or contempt against any group on the basis of colour, race, ancestry, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, language or disability
- must not include business names/logos, branded tags, acronyms, or any commercial advertising
Expectations of artist
Expectations of the successful artist(s) include, but may not be limited to:
- develop a project concept, budget and a detailed design
- oversee production and installation of the artwork
- The artist will be responsible for the preparation of the surface to ensure strong adhesion for durability and longevity. This will include a primer and other preparation necessary for the optimum bond of materials to, and protection of, the respective surfaces (i.e. cleaning).
- Aluminum composite panels require priming on all sides and edges to protect panels from outdoor conditions.
- provide a warranty for the work (minimum 5 years)
- travel to Guelph for a minimum of three visits: to attend a technical consultation meeting; to manage the installation of the artwork; and to attend an unveiling event
- exercise safety and caution while working, utilizing personal protective equipment as necessary
- provide the City a General Liability Insurance Certificate, adding the City of Guelph as additionally insured up to two (2) million dollars for Sites A, C and D, and five (5) million dollars for Site B, a current WSIB Certificate, and any other legislated health and safety requirements
Notes:
- If an artist does not currently have General Liability Insurance, the City of Guelph will reimburse artists for these costs. Documentation will be required.
- City of Guelph will pay for costs related to the promotion of this project
- City of Guelph will provide an anti-graffiti coating, which the artists will apply to the completed mural(s) onsite
- The mural must be approved by City Staff before this protective coating is applied
- The City of Guelph will pay for all costs related to the installation of artwork panels at Sites A, C and D
- Lighting is also under consideration to be a component of the site work
Selection committee & process
All applications submitted under this RFQ will be reviewed by the City’s Council-appointed Public Art Advisory Committee. City Staff representatives are involved as non-voting members.
The commissioned artwork will be chosen through a two-stage selection process:
Stage One
- Selection Committee will review submissions and select a maximum of three (3) short-listed artists, based on qualifications, for each site.
Stage Two
- Short-listed artists will receive honoraria to develop their concept proposals and renderings/concept designs for consideration.
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Entry procedure
The City of Guelph will only accept electronically submitted applications to culture@guelph.ca. Deadline to apply is Friday, February 1, 2019 at 4 p.m.
Artists interested in applying for more than one location are required to submit Letters of Intent for each site.
Full details about the application and selection process are available at www.guelph.ca/mainstreet
For additional information or questions please contact:
Jen Rafter, Cultural Program and Event Coordinator
Culture, Tourism and Community Investment, Public Services
City of Guelph
519-822-1260 extension 2629
jen.rafter@guelph.ca