Ocala Ground Storage Water Tank Mural

The City of Ocala is seeking an artist to design and paint a mural on the Downtown Market ground storage water tank located at SE 5th St & SE Watula Ave/SE 3rd Ave, Ocala, FL 34471. The exterior wall is approximately 20 feet high and 285 feet long with a concrete surface primed with Loxon concrete & masonry primer. The ground storage tank access ladder on the rear will not be painted. There are no landscaping obstructions in front of the tank, though trees are present around the rear near the parking lot and do not prohibit movement around the tank.

The mural theme is Florida wildlife with focus on local Marion County flora and fauna. The design must be unique to this project and use materials appropriate and water-safe for an active concrete water tank that can withstand Florida weather conditions including high UV exposure, high humidity, high temperatures, heavy rain, and high winds. The mural will be designated as a temporary addition to the City's public art collection lasting at least five years. The City will prepare the tank surface prior to work and apply a final clear, vandalism-proof topcoat. The artist is responsible for equipment rentals throughout the project.

The City will provide an artist honorarium of $60,000, with 50% deposit payment upon signed contract and 50% final payment at project completion. The application deadline is September 12, 2024 at 11:59 PM MDT. Selection will be made by September 20, 2024, with anticipated work start by October 26, 2024 (artist must be available for ground breaking ceremony on October 26 & 27 during FAFO Arts Festival). The mural must be complete by February 1, 2025. Applicants must be artists residing and working within Florida with experience in large public murals and must purchase a minimum of $1,000,000 commercial general liability insurance naming City of Ocala as an additional insured. Submit applications via mail, email, or online with CV/résumé, artist rendering in .jpg format (at least 180dpi), written proposal (maximum one page), detailed project budget, five to fifteen images of previous mural work, and at least one support letter.