West Avenue Gateway Mural

The City of Norwalk Connecticut and the Norwalk Arts Commission are soliciting a Request for Proposals (RFP) for artists and artists' teams for a site-specific outdoor public art project at the West Avenue retaining wall in Norwalk, CT. Artists working in 2-D media are invited to apply. The call is open to all local and national artists and artist teams. The winning artist or team will be responsible for all aspects of design and installation and affiliated costs (travel, materials, equipment, insurance, etc).

The West Avenue retaining wall is a main thoroughfare connecting downtown areas and serves as a gateway to Norwalk. The walls are concrete, approximately 1000 feet long and 20 feet high, totaling just shy of 24,000 sq ft. The walls are bare concrete and will require primer. The majority of the wall surface has a rectangular block pattern formed into the wall. A metal sculpture currently installed at the top will be removed prior to mural installation. This location is property of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, and the selected artist(s) will need to carry a $1M insurance rider and follow DOT guidelines. The NAC will assist with necessary approvals and work directly with the DOT.

The project is open to all forms of 2-D art (representative, abstract, expressive, minimal, community-based, etc). Proposed artwork must relate specifically to Norwalk, either literally or conceptually. The NAC seeks artists or artists' teams proficient in outdoor public murals with experience using lift equipment. Durability and low maintenance of all materials is required. This opportunity is open to any US citizen age 18 or older. Project funds will come from City of Norwalk Capital funds and potential raised capital, with the City also applying to the Bloomberg Public Art Challenge for additional funding. Budgets should include all fees and expenses (materials, equipment, labor, permits, travel, installation, insurance, per diem, etc), with a minimum benchmark of $100,000. Submission requirements include 3-10 images of previous work, artist statement, resumé, professional references, design proposal relating to Norwalk, and detailed budget. Selection will be based on demonstration of overall theme, artistic merit, experience, ability, and budget.