Urban Art Intersections Request for Proposals

Urban Art Intersections is a public art initiative to enliven downtown Dayton streetscapes. Local artists and designers are invited to submit design ideas for spaces they identify within the downtown geography. Designs should not exceed 20x20 feet or a dimension that equals the same total surface area. Potential artist mediums include the side of downtown buildings, bridge underpasses, or other blank surfaces. Specific artwork locations are not prescribed, and artists have the opportunity to devise engaging concepts within the downtown area.

Eligibility: Any amateur or professional artists or designers ages 18 and older may apply. Artists under 18 may apply as part of a team with at least one member 18 or older. Applicants must have primary residence within a 40-mile radius of downtown Dayton. Applicants may submit up to three separate designs. Submissions are free and open to the public. If selected, artists must be available for a consultation with K12's mural team in early October 2016 and sign an agreement with project organizers.

Proposals must include: complete application with contact information; site location with address or description and current site photo; proposed design as high-resolution .jpg (up to four images from different vantage points, one rendered to scale); total design size not exceeding 20x20 feet or equivalent surface area; color palette (required if artist proposes to execute their own work); resume or brief biography with references; one to six work samples; and artist statement (one-page maximum) describing design vision and creative approach. K12 Gallery is contracted to apply final designs and will work closely with artists on color palette selection. Artists with demonstrated experience may opt to complete the mural themselves if approved by project organizers.

Designs will be evaluated on: public understandability while stretching imagination; site appropriateness; contribution to downtown identity and forward-looking vision; consideration of public safety and accessibility; artist qualifications and strength of previous work; and Urban Art Committee feedback. Up to five artists or designers will be selected as finalists and receive a $750 award. Selected artists will be credited on all promotional materials and included in community events to present completed designs. Artwork application begins late October 2016 and continues as weather permits, with remaining work completed in Spring 2017. For questions, contact [email protected] or [email protected].