Mural Commission at Trustus Theatre Vista Neighborhood in Columbia, SC

This is a commissioning of new mural work by the Vista Neighborhood Association and One Columbia for Arts and Culture. The artwork will be located on the Trustus Theatre at approximately 520 Lady St, Columbia, SC 29201. The three panels are insets of the northwest exterior façade of the building. The artwork must cover the entire area set aside for the mural on painted stucco substrate. Materials must withstand a high traffic, public environment and be capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions common to South Carolina (high UV exposure, high humidity, high temperatures). The artist is responsible for properly preparing the surface for maximum paint adhesion. The mural must be covered with a UV and graffiti resistant coating that is able to withstand washing and maintenance.

The goal of the project is to create a meaningful work of public art that engages residents and visitors as they enjoy downtown. The artwork should be unique, engaging, and support the Vista as a vibrant, walkable neighborhood that welcomes a diversity of people, businesses, and entertainment venues. The artist selected will receive $8,500 to cover design, transportation, lodging, materials, equipment, labor, installation, insurance, and any other costs associated with the artwork. The fee will be paid half on invoice as a deposit after contract execution and half on invoice after satisfactory completion. Discounted local lodging is available.

Eligibility is limited to artists who live or work full time in the Southeastern States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia). Applicants must be professional visual artists or artist teams (up to five members), US citizens or authorized to work in the United States, create public art or artwork well suited for public spaces, and not be students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate visual arts courses at the time of application. Application materials required: at least three images of your artworks (up to two videos also permitted), artwork information for each image (title, date, dimensions, medium, commissioning agency, location, brief description), artist's statement, current contact information, and three references. Timeline: Response of Interest Deadline August 17, 2023; Notice of Award of Shortlist Selection August 28, 2023; Conceptual Design Report Due September 14, 2023; Presentation of Conceptual Designs September 18-24, 2023; Anticipated Notification of Selection September 28, 2023; Work anticipated to begin Late October 2023.