Call for Artists
Request for Proposals (RFP)
The NoBo Art District North Welcome Mural
Artist Stipend $6000
Submittal Deadline July 31, 2019 6:00 PM
Location 4949 N. Broadway Boulder, CO
Opportunity Description
The NoBo Art District requests proposals from local artists, for a mural opportunity that will serve as a place-making project for the NoBo Art District. This mural project will be considered a temporary art installation with an expected minimum lifespan of 2-5 years.
The Mission of the NoBo Art District is to enrich and advance the arts in Boulder through educational activities and engagement that promote the role of artists and creatives in our community.
Background
NoBo Art District is a unique evolving enclave at the north edge of Boulder. Split by Broadway into its two unique personalities, this eclectic developing district is ripe for new visual and urban design interventions that mark its place and possibilities for residents, visitors, artists and others. New public art and buildings will begin to define the existing funky, rural, strip and industrial character on the west side, and sensitive infill projects will complement the successful well known neo historic urban development and established commercial destinations at Holiday on the east side of Broadway. Along Broadway today high-end cycling shops, coffee shops and restaurants market sophisticated hipster experiences and food alongside occasional food trucks , artist and maker studios, new real estate projects, mobile home projects, chain lodging, and a very large collection of storage centers. NoBo is home to social services serving the whole city, Boulder’s homeless shelter and affordable housing strengthen the neighborhood’s diverse character with shining new facilities and needed affordable residences.
Location
The site is located on the west side of 4949 N. Broadway in Boulder, at the northern entry point of the district and will serve as a welcoming landmark and visual identifier for the NoBo Art District. The mural will be located on the east facing end of the building. This site historically housed an orchard, homestead and chicken coop supplying eggs and apples to the community.
Site Photos & Dimensions
Length = 80 feet
Height at peak = 25 feet
Height at sides = 19 feet
*Surface will be prepped and primed prior to installation by the building owner. Upper portion of the building is corrugated metal and lower portion is wood siding.
*NoBo will provide lift access to Artist
Project Goals
Increased visibility for the NoBo Art District
Creating pedestrian friendly experiences
Place Making: visually defining the NoBo Art District
Supporting the local economy and building community by sparking visitors, patrons and community members to visit and support local businesses.
Design & Themes
This mural will be a mark of the universal creative spirit and bright energy becoming more public in NoBo with art, events and developing infrastructure. It will help to establish a creative identity and spirit for the developing NoBo Art District, particularly on the north end and west side of Broadway. It’s east facing and will be seen by many people along the busy Broadway and 36 corridor.
We are seeking a mural design that will delight people with a unique, bold and cheerful character. The theme could speak to the disappearing cultural legacy of the area (The old Orchard Farmstead, Holiday Drive-In, Industrial Legacy, etc.) or the future of our creative cultural landscape. It’s important to recognize that it does not need to repeat the already well known Boulder recreation and natural graphic identities. This mural will serve as a significant temporary landmark and entry feature in NoBo, and the mural will express NoBo as an artful and special place to live, work and play.
Read more about the NoBo Art District by visiting the website.
Evaluation Criteria
Artists proposals will be evaluated based on artistic merit, community impact and managerial capability using the following evaluation scoring criteria:
High quality and reflection of aesthetic appropriate for NoBo Art District mural project goals
Adaptability to the collaborative process of public art design
Demonstrated knowledge and experience of public art creation
Ability to create a unique and engaging work of art appropriate in concept, materials and scale
NoBo Artist membership (preferred but not required) and/or local area Artist
People’s choice design favorite (a selection of finalists may have the opportunity for public input which will be considered in the final selection)
Selection Process
The NoBo Art District will convene a selection panel including NoBo board members, community and business members, building owner/renters and arts administrators. The selection panel will review each applicant’s work samples and proposal based on the above mentioned “evaluation criteria”.
The community input portion of the process may include both online and event based feedback on a semi-finalist selection of artists that will then be considered in the final selection process.
Project Scope and Budget
Artist stipend: $6000 included design and installation fees, transportation, lodging, liability insurance, materials etc. Mural designs should include the full east side of the building facing Broadway.
Additional Support: NoBo Art District will provide paint and materials support up to $500 (as needed by reimbursement). NoBo Art District offers artists their discounted paint rates thanks to the support of Sherwin Williams Boulder. NoBo Art District will provide a 20 ft Scissor Lift for artist use during the project.
Eligibility
This project is open only to artists or artist teams who reside and do their artistic work in front range Colorado, including Boulder County and the surrounding areas.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have all necessary documentation and permits to work in the United States at the time of submittal of qualifications.
Artist must have availability to complete work before September 30, 2019
How to Apply
The following items should be emailed together in ONE email, with subject “{ARTIST NAME} 2019 NoBo RFP Mural Application ” to: ArtCallsNoBo@gmail.com by July 31st 2019, 5:00PM.
Artist Statement of Interest: Submission must include an Artist Statement of Interest that specifically addresses your artist’s perspective on, and interest in participating in a public art mural for the NoBo Art District. NoBo Members please include your current membership status in your statement.
Resume/CV + References: Submission shall include a current resume or CV that outlines your professional accomplishments as an artist along with 2 professional references.
Images of Past Work: (minimum of 3, maximum of 10. no larger than 1000 pixels) Submission must include visual representations of samples of your past artwork appropriate to this project. Please include a list of the submitted project images with descriptions that clearly explain both the projects and images.
Project design proposal. Please include (1-5) images of your proposal (sketches/digital design mock-ups) and a project statement describing your approach and intention for this mural project.
Dates and Schedule
Submission Deadline: Wednesday July 31st, 2019 5:00pm
Semi Finalist Notification: Wednesday August 28th, 2019
Final Artist Selection & Notification: Monday September 9th, 2019
Mural Installation: September 15th - 30th, 2019
Questions
Email Leah at hello@and-art.space or text/call 720-352-8194