LexArts, Inc: 2011 Lexington Mural Project

LexArts seeks qualifications from muralists interested in creating outdoor murals in Lexington, KY. The goal is to create three professional murals in 2011 to continue a multi-year initiative transforming blank walls into works of art. There is no application fee to enter. One artist or artist team will be paid to realize their proposal at each of the three sites.

The project budget is $12,000 per mural site, inclusive of travel, research, design, execution, insurance, taxes, site preparation and materials. Minimum mural size is 30' x 8'. Three sites have been selected: Saul Good Restaurant and Pub in the Hamburg Shopping Center, Whitaker Bank Ballpark on the north side of Lexington, and Hurst Furniture Building in Downtown Lexington. The mural sites have high visibility from major roads and pedestrian traffic and have historical significance within the Thoroughbred Industry. The painting must be created directly onto the brick surface and sealed by the artist with a clear-coat to protect against UV, graffiti and weather.

Submitted qualifications will be reviewed by a mural committee comprised of artists, arts professionals and community leaders. Selected finalists will meet with LexArts and stakeholders to discuss subject and composition. Finalists will develop a design based on this meeting and submit an exhibition-ready proposal to LexArts. Proposals will be reviewed and voted upon by the public. A final design review will be conducted by LexArts and stakeholders considering public input. The strength of submitted images of past murals demonstrating ability to complete similar or related projects will be considered critical selection factors. The Committee is interested in a wide variety of creative solutions to the challenges of an outdoor mural in a busy commercial shopping center. Timeline: Artist qualifications due April 15, 2011; artist notification April 29, 2011; finalist meetings May 2-6, 2011; finalist proposals due June 7, 2011; finalist notification June 30, 2011; mural creation begins July 1, 2011; planned completion August 15, 2011; mural dedication September 2011.