CaFÉ -

Murals will be completed on the West-facing wall of The Hub at 143 E. Main Street, Galesburg, IL 61401. This site is suitable for multiple, large painted murals, with the possibility of vinyl mural applications. Detailed measurements and images of the wall are included below. There is space for several murals within the total wall dimensions; artists should consider the available spaces/zones and design their mural to the specific square footage of the section/zone they prefer. Artists should indicate the specific section of the wall their mural proposal relates to, and should specify those dimensions in any drawings, models, or mock-ups. There is a slight gradation/sloping to the adjacent ground (grass surface), which artists should also take into account when planning their work set-up (scaffolding, lifts, etc.), and a “stair-step” design to the upper portion of the structure that artists could potentially integrate into their designs. The smaller “Vertical” sections (3-5) could potentially be combined into a larger mural.

The available sections / zones are as follows:

· 1 – North End: 621 square feet (27 ft. L x about 23 ft. H);

· 2 – North End Adjacent: 589 square feet (25 ft. 5 in. L x about 23 ft. H);

· 3 – Vertical A: 168 square feet (6 ft. 7 in. L x about 25 ft. H);

· 4 – Vertical B: 250 square feet (9 ft. 9 in. L x about 26 ft. H);

· 5 – Vertical C: 280 square feet (9 ft. 11 in. L x about 28 ft. H);

· 6 – South End, Main Street: 682 square feet (22 ft. 2 in. x about 31 ft. H)

Total Square Footage: 2,528 sq. ft.

Wall Material: Stucco/concrete

THEMATIC REQUIREMENTS

Proposed mural designs should in some way reflect historical figures, inventions, architecture, art and cultural events, music related to Galesburg, Illinois. While we encourage broad and open-ended interpretations of the theme, we ask that proposed mural designs are appropriate for community viewing in a public space, as the mural site will be frequented by community members of all ages, backgrounds, and identities; as such, proposals should be welcoming in nature and have broad appeal.

We encourage mural proposals that feature dynamic pattern or composition; playful and/or whimsical subject matter; a contemporary visual aesthetic; and that can brighten up the space throughout all seasons, all year-round (including enlivening a particularly gray winter season). We encourage designs that are innovative, stylistically distinctive, and informed by trends in contemporary art.

We ask that proposals explore the use of monochromatic color schemes that would reflect Galesburg or Thrive Community Services, the owner of the building.

INCLUSIVE PROJECT BUDGET

The project budget is $15,000 - $25,000. The budget is inclusive for all aspects of mural production, including artists fee, travel, research, execution, insurance, taxes, site preparation, equipment rental, and materials. Artists should adhere to, and not exceed, the inclusive budget constraints in their own proposed budget draft.

ELIGIBILITY

We are committed to a policy of providing opportunities to artists regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or physical disability. Artists must be able to legally work in the United States, be at least 18 years of age, and have successfully completed large, outdoor murals in the past.

We encourage applications from artists nation-wide; however, any costs incurred due to travel to and from Galesburg, Illinois, must be taken into consideration by artists in their proposed project budget. (We encourage artists to take advantage of the Amtrak route from Chicago, IL to Galesburg, IL where possible!)

Artists must have prior experience working on a public mural and/or a public arts commission, and should be able to provide documentation of successfully completed past projects. Artists should be able to adhere to the project timeline, budget constraints, proposed equipment needs, and thematic guidelines. Due to the physical risks of executing a large-scale mural, we encourage selected artists to have and maintain general liability insurance.

PROPOSED MURAL REQUIREMENTS

· Proposed mural design(s) should fit the scale specifications of the sections/zones described above;

· Proposed mural design(s) should reflect historical figures, inventions, architecture, art and cultural events, music related to Galesburg, Illinois;

· Proposed mural design(s) should adhere to the request to use monochromatic color that reflects Galesburg and/or Thrive Community Services.

· Proposed subject matter should be suitable for a public, community space;

· Proposed mural design(s) must be an original creation by the selected artist and/or team of artists (collaborative designs welcomed);

· Proposed design(s) should not feature logos, commercial symbols, and/or copyrighted material;

· The completed mural should be durable, and should be able to reasonably withstand the elements and seasonal wear and tear;

· Artists must be able to complete the execution of the mural within a reasonable and mutually agreeable timeframe;

· Artists must be able to adhere to the proposed budget and timeline;

· Works of art should not create inordinate safety problems or liability concerns for the general public or City of Galesburg;

· The mural is subject to removal by the City of Galesburg or building owner at any time during or after the installation.

ARTIST BENEFITS / EXPOSURE

A number of individual murals may be selected for funding, or the possibility for a collaborative mural effort may be explored based on the nature of the applications received and any potential synergies. Selected artists will have their work on display throughout the year in this highly visible, downtown location near the Galesburg Community Arts Center, Knox College, and other popular Galesburg businesses. Additionally, the mural(s) will serve as a backdrop for outdoor, live music performances, and thus offer exposure to the artists throughout the year at a variety of public events. Completed murals will receive significant exposure through marketing efforts on behalf of the Galesburg Community Arts Center and Experience Galesburg, including on social media, on their respective websites, and through a variety of community print publications.

EXHIBITION PERIOD + PROJECT TIMELINE

The Music & Murals 2024 unveiling will be held in mid-late summer 2024 (official dates will be shared as soon as they are solidified), with the possibility of being pushed to early September 2024 if weather conditions result in severe delays. Weather permitting, artists will create the murals in-person over a period of 2-3 weeks in July/August 2024.

ANTICIPATED TIMELINE

May 3, 2024 Call for Art Published

May 31, 2024 Application / Proposal Deadline

May 3 – May 31, 2024 Applications / Proposals Reviewed

June 15, 2024 Selected Artists Notified

June-July 2024 Artists May Visit Site; Logistics & Planning

July/August 2024 Murals Executed On-Site (2-3 Weeks)

August 2024 Mural Unveiling

APPLICATION / PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Artist CV/resume (PDF preferred) – Required;

2. A one-page artist statement describing your overall artistic approach, public art experience, and interest in the project (optional but encouraged);

3. 2-4 Representative images of prior completed public murals/projects, or a link to online documentation of your previous mural projects, with description of size, budget, year completed, and location - Required;

4. Detailed Project Proposal - Required, including:

a. Proposed Mural Title;

b. Brief description of the proposed mural, including an explanation of how it connects to the theme of Music & Murals 2024;

c. One or more drawings of the proposed work of art; models optional. Drawings and/or models should illustrate the relationships between the artwork and its environment;

d. A timeline and budget (not to exceed the budget range listed above) for production and installation;

e. A detailed list of materials, equipment, and construction requirements, with attention to issues of durability, maintenance, and safety.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURES

Applications may only be submitted electronically through CaFÉ (callforentry.org); proposals submitted through any other portal will be ineligible. Artists may enter individually, or as a group. Artists may submit multiple proposals; however, each proposal should be a separate submission. There is a $20.00 application fee per submission.

Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated based on artistic merit, overall creativity, suitability for the site, and feasibility (based on proposed budget, equipment, etc.). Proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of artists, city partners, key sponsors, and members of the community. Artists whose proposals are selected must sign a Galesburg Public Mural Contract and agree to the terms contained therein.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

All materials must be received by 11:59:00 p.m. Central Time Zone (Chicago, IL, USA) on May 31, 2024. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

CONTACT

Questions or requests for more information may be directed to:

Randy Newcomb

Executive Director, Galesburg Tourism & Visitor’s Bureau (Experience Galesburg)

Ana Fleming (ana@galesburgarts.org)

Director of Community Engagement, Galesburg Community Arts Center

Application Requirements