We are excited to announce our newest public art initiative, in partnership with the City of College Station, with Rev up the Arts Aggieland Mural Festival. Taking place during the last week of September, the Arts Council aims to incorporate the talents of local and international artists to create an urban gallery that will breathe life into our streets, stimulate economic growth, and foster a profound sense of pride and connection among residents and visitors alike. The Arts Council is now accepting submissions from artists for 2023. Rev up the Arts Aggieland is for artists confident in their abilities to do large-scale work and are passionate about harnessing the power of murals for people everywhere to enjoy. 

The first step to becoming a muralist at this festival is to submit your relevant experience and artwork samples. We will review these submissions as they are received; this call is open year-round. However, to ensure your application will be reviewed for the 2023 mural season, please submit it by 08/06/23. Strong applicants will be placed in a pool to be considered for future mural commissions and public art projects. It is free to apply. You must be 18+ years old due to the required insurance. 

Some additional details to consider:

• We will select up to five (5) artists who will receive a stipend of $5,000 for their work and participation. You will receive half of the stipend once selected. We will provide hotel accommodations (one room per artist/ team). The cost of supplies will be a separate expense for which the artist is NOT responsible. We are working with Mural Supply Co. to organize paint orders, prepare walls and provide support during the festival.
• The murals should be uniquely creative while also encapsulating the spirit of Aggieland: Bringing in artists and their unique portfolios of work to our public spaces will diversify the city and enhance cultural tourism. The murals will also encapsulate the spirit of the College Station area, which will help preserve the history and heritage of the community. Must be family-friendly for the public.
• Copyright of the design and artwork is retained indefinitely by the Artist. However, ownership of the physical works transfers in full to the Wall Owner, and the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley, City of College Station, and Visit College Station are granted an unlimited license to use the artwork for display and promotional purposes in connection with the business being conducted at the property. 
• Artists must purchase general liability insurance for the entirety of their painting period. Assistance/guidance purchasing insurance is available upon request. 
• Artists must be available to start and finish their mural painting over a consecutive week-long period during the month of September. 
• Artists must also make their own travel arrangements if they travel from outside College Station. *May ask for a scholarship if traveling internationally.

Selection Process: 

A qualified jury will evaluate all responses based on the goals of the Festival. Due to the volume of applicants, only those on the shortlist will be contacted. The Arts Council of the Brazos Valley Jury is committed to equal opportunity for job applicants and employees. This organization does not discriminate against job applicants or employees because of race, color, age, religion, national origin, political or union affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or gender and sexual orientation. The Selection Committee reserves the right to deny any proposal.  

Submissions will be reviewed on the following criteria:

• Artistic excellence, quality of skills and techniques, and the ability to develop a unique mural design
• Overall professionalism and presentation of ideas and application materials
• Experience and potential to successfully complete the project within the required time

Contact information:

We look forward to receiving your application and the chance to work with you to benefit our local community! Please get in touch with us if you have any questions about the program or submission process.

Sheree Boegner, Executive Director 

Email: sheree@acbv.org Office: 979-696-2787

Or

Preston Davis, Public Art Intern

Email: publicart@acbv.org Office: 979-696-2787

Timeline:

• Submissions open with Cafe: July 21, 2023 - August 6, 2023 
• Jury deliberations: August 7, 2023- August 11, 2023.
• Successful festival artists notified- August 11, 2023.
• Artist's Intention to Participate by August 14, 2023.
• Festival artists create design concepts - August 27, 2023.
• Festival week: September 25, 2023, to September 30, 2023.

Application Requirements

If you are interested in the Rev up the Arts Aggieland Mural Festival, please submit the following:

• Name and pronouns (how you identify). 
• Artist Statment.
• A copy of your résumé or CV - include items related to your practice such as education, work history, awards, honors, exhibitions, OR previous residencies.
• Contact information (address, phone number, and email address) and preferred contact method.
• Links to social media and/or your website (Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, TikTok).
• Background information of your experience as an artist. 
• Any formal education in art or self-taught. 
• The level at which you would place your talent, novice, intermediate, or professional. 
• Location of your home base (where do you call home).
• If you are comfortable using a lift, or if you prefer a ladder/scaffolding or either.
• Have you executed a mural before? If so, please describe your experience. If not, please list all artistic endeavors that qualify you for this project. 
• Images of relevant work (up to 10). Please include each piece's title, date, medium, and location. A range that best showcases your work is in a style you would use for a mural.

Eligibility Criteria

The call is open to all artists aged 18 and up. Artist teams are acceptable. To be considered, we strongly prefer but do not require the artist to have completed at least one large (at least 200 square feet) outdoor mural within the past five (5) years. Artists who have experience creating works of art for local businesses are encouraged to apply. Submissions should include images of previous work demonstrating the artist’s ability to create a mural on exterior walls. We would appreciate references from previous projects included in your resume. The artist must be willing to travel to College Station, Texas, to work. 

Artists will agree to begin their project by September 25, 2023. Artists (or one/all members of their artist team) are encouraged to attend the VIP artist event with sponsors and other events that showcase the artist.

The Rev Up the Arts Aggieland Mural Festival will have additional programming scheduled throughout the week for artists to participate in, especially from (12-3 PM).

The artist must agree to all terms listed in the description and sign a contract upon acceptance of the residence stating all terms and conditions of the program.