Music & Murals 2024 Call for Proposals

Murals will be completed on the West-facing wall of The Hub at 143 E. Main Street, Galesburg, IL 61401. This site is suitable for multiple large painted murals, with the possibility of vinyl mural applications. There is space for several murals within the total wall dimensions of 2,528 square feet. The available sections range from 168 to 682 square feet, with dimensions specified for each zone. Artists should indicate the specific section of the wall their mural proposal relates to and specify those dimensions in any drawings, models, or mock-ups. The wall has a slight gradation to the adjacent ground and a "stair-step" design to the upper portion that artists could potentially integrate into their designs. The wall material is stucco/concrete.

Proposed mural designs should reflect historical figures, inventions, architecture, art and cultural events, and music related to Galesburg, Illinois. Designs should be appropriate for community viewing in a public space and welcoming in nature with broad appeal. The organizers encourage dynamic pattern or composition, playful and/or whimsical subject matter, contemporary visual aesthetic, and designs that can brighten the space throughout all seasons. Proposals should explore monochromatic color schemes that reflect Galesburg or Thrive Community Services, the building owner. Proposed designs should not feature logos, commercial symbols, or copyrighted material, and must be original creations by the selected artist(s). Collaborative designs are welcomed.

The project budget is $15,000-$25,000, inclusive for all aspects of mural production including artist fee, travel, research, execution, insurance, taxes, site preparation, equipment rental, and materials. Artists must be able to legally work in the United States, be at least 18 years of age, and have successfully completed large outdoor murals in the past. Prior experience working on a public mural or public arts commission is required, with documentation of successfully completed past projects. Selected artists will have their work displayed in this highly visible downtown location near the Galesburg Community Arts Center, Knox College, and other popular Galesburg businesses. The mural(s) will serve as a backdrop for outdoor live music performances. Murals will receive significant exposure through marketing efforts by the Galesburg Community Arts Center and Experience Galesburg, including social media, websites, and community print publications. Weather permitting, artists will create the murals in-person over 2-3 weeks in July/August 2024, with the unveiling in mid-late summer 2024 or early September 2024 if weather delays occur. The application deadline is May 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. The entry fee is $20.00 per submission. Applications must be submitted electronically through CaFÉ (callforentry.org). Artists may submit individually or as a group and may submit multiple proposals, with each proposal as a separate submission.