106th Street Underpass Mural and Lighting Project RFQ

The City of Bloomington, MN in partnership with Artistry invites experienced public artists and teams to submit qualifications for the design and installation of a mural and lighting feature for the 106th Street/35W bridge underpass. The mural and lighting feature will engage and revitalize the neighborhood with a creative focal point while making the underpass more pedestrian friendly.

Eligibility: This Request for Qualifications is open to experienced Minnesota-based public artists and teams that have completed at least one commissioned outdoor public art piece in the past ten years. Priority will be given to artists and teams with mural and/or creative lighting feature experience. Applicants should have an understanding of or experience with murals and public art installations specific to Minnesota and this site. Finalists must be able to attend an in-person interview and design presentation. The total project budget is $135,000, which must cover all design modifications, fabrication, installation, infrastructure, site preparations, electrical work, site visits, community engagement, transportation, insurance, permit fees, and related expenses.

Application Requirements: Submit a one-page letter describing interest in the project, approach to design and research, and a statement addressing eligibility criteria; a one-page listing of 1-3 project references including at least one commissioned piece completed in the past ten years with contact information and commissioned amounts; one-page biographical information or resume for all essential team members; and up to 10 images of recent projects (at least one commissioned public mural or lighting feature from the past ten years) with brief descriptions and final costs. Images must be JPEG format, 1200 pixels on the longest side, less than 5 MB. Do not submit a project proposal or design at this time. Three finalists will be selected by August 28, 2020, and will present design proposals in February 2021. Each finalist receives a $1,000 design stipend. The selected artist or team will be notified by March 31, 2021, with anticipated installation in summer 2022.