Project Overview

The Alexandria Public Art Program is inviting artists/muralist to submit their qualifications to design and execute a street mural associated with a new mini-roundabout in the City. The program goals of this Vision Zero project are to:

• Elevate the importance of safe intersections for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
• Incorporate artwork that is reflective of the neighborhood’s identity and celebrates the culture, spirit and/or history of area.
• Help strengthen the sense of community by engaging the local community and neighbors in the public art project.
• Create safer streets for people that follow federal and industry guidance on best practices and address ADA guidelines.
• Develop a pilot project that contributes to research and the larger knowledge base about public art and transportation.

About Vision Zero

Vision Zero is a City initiative that is founded on the belief that traffic deaths and severe injuries are unacceptable. For years, Alexandria has been working to reframe the way we think about our streets and redesign them to be safe, accessible, comfortable, and even enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation. The street mural location is planned at the intersection of Hickory Street and Kennedy Street in the Warwick Village neighborhood of Alexandria.

Budget

The selected artist will receive $20,000 for meeting participation, design, materials, and installation of the street mural.

Timeline

Upon selection in July, the project timeline requires that the artist begin engagement with the community in August 2024 with installation of the street mural no later than November 1, 2024.

Project Scope

• The design of the mural should be appropriate for all audiences.
• Designs should be colorful and bold to allow for viewing from a distance.
• The selected artist will be required to meet with the community prior to beginning mural installation, and the conversations may inform the concept design.
• The location of the artwork will be generally as shown on Exhibit Showing Potential Locations for Asphalt Art within the Mini-Roundabout Design, which is subject to modifications due to final engineering of the mini-roundabout.
• Paints must be approved by the City prior to installation and should be selected based on their durability for use on asphalt.
• The artwork must comply with Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards.

Selection and Review Process

The project Task Force may interview finalists prior to making a final selection by mid-July. The selected artist will be recommended by the Task Force and approved by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.

Additional Resources

Two approved plans guide the arts in Alexandria: 

• Public Art Implementation Plan
• Arts and Culture Master Plan

Application Requirements

To apply, please include: 

• A brief letter describing your project approach, including how you would engage with the community as a part of the design and/or installation process.
• A CV/resume
• The names, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 3 references.
• Images of previous work samples (up to 6), specifying titles, mediums, sizes, and years.

Please do not send specific design proposals at this time.

Eligibility Criteria

This call is open to all local and regional artists living in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C. Artists must be 18 years or older to apply. Artists with street mural experience that have applied community engagement strategies in the art-making process are encouraged to apply.