The City of Petoskey Public Arts Commission is seeking proposals from mural artists, living in the state of Michigan, to design and paint/install a mural on a City-owned site; a tunnel that connects the Downtown Business District with the Downtown Greenway Corridor,- Petoskey’s section of the Little Traverse Wheelway, located next to  scenic Little Traverse Bay. 

The mural should cover the approximately 1700 square feet of surface area of the interior walls and ceiling of the tunnel. 

(The walls of the tunnel are 56' x 6'7", the ceiling is 56' x 15', and the angled faces that connects the wall with the ceiling are 56' x 1'5". The commission will prepare the wall in advance of the mural painting/installation window and are prepared to paint the tunnel and extending triangles and faces a single flat color, according to the muralist's design.)

The attached pdf of photographs illustrate the tunnel before the repairs and wall preparation. The selected artist will be awarded/offered an amount between $15,000 and $30,000. Proposed bids should reflect the level of complexity and the mural technique described in the proposal.  The contracted amount will include all phases of the project and all materials, tools and equipment:  including design work, iteration, all materials, labor, insurance, and a final protective coating (formulated to protect the mural from the elements.) The designated space also includes a public piano, which may be considered in the concept and design (see the attached photos). 

The proposed design and palette could reflect the unique location of the mural, the natural and cultural environments of Petoskey, local ecosystems, or other dimensions of our region through representational, abstract, non-objective, or decorative imagery. Innovative mural concepts are also welcome. 

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and reside in the state of Michigan. 

The Petoskey Public Art Commission will select a finalist for the project and establish the award offer. The award is inclusive of all costs associated with completing the mural, including but not limited to: design work, materials, labor, travel, per diem expenses, equipment rental, and any other costs related to the creation of the mural.

To apply: The call is administered through Call for Entry (café). Artists must set up a profile in their online system and submit materials through them to complete the application. The website is CallforEntry.org.

Project Considerations: 

• Develop a mural design for the tunnel that reflects or evokes aspects of the cultural and environmental context.
• Design and paint/install a mural for the City of Petoskey in a tunnel that connects the business district to the Greenway Corridor and waterfront.
• Use the highest quality materials and professional techniques for durability- so that  citizens, seasonal residents, and visitors may enjoy the mural for years to come.
• Complete the project within the designated timeline and budget.
• Participate in press and media coverage, including interviews, intended to promote and share the project.
• Provide a list of the: the brands, formulation, and specific paint colors, or other materials used to create the mural, and instructions for the care, maintenance, and repair of the mural.

Entry Deadline: August 17, 2024

Painting Completed by: October 7, 2024

Application Requirements

Work sample requirements:  (must conform to the CaFE format and size requirements)

Images

• 6-9 photographs that represent at least 2 completed murals, including photographs of each entire mural, in context, as well as photographs that reveal various levels of detail and your painting technique.
• 3-5 color concept sketches or digital graphics that represent the concept and aesthetic of your proposed design for the tunnel mural.

Video: 

• 0-2 (optional) short video(s) that illustrates your mural process and/or pans a completed mural. (Links to video are preferred to uploads)
• Total samples: Minimum 9, maximum 16

Additional Materials: 

Email:  Your resume and the names and contact information for two references from mural clients to: sheila@crookedtree.org

Your artist statement should include: 

• A short text describing your concept for the project- and the relevance of your design for the Petoskey Tunnel.
• A short text describing the mural technique, tools and materials that you propose for the project.
• The dollar amount of your bid (which includes design work,  materials and tools, scaffolding, transportation, lodging, insurance, and all expenses related to the project. The wall will be repaired and prepared in advance. If the design includes a base coat of color, the city will  provide the labor and complete the base coat in advance of the mural painting. The material cost of the base coat paint will be included in the bid.

Timeline 

• Submission window: July 15- August 17, 2024
• Entry Deadline: August 17, 2024
• Finalist contacted by: August, 22, 2024
• Final design submitted by: August 29, 2024
• Painting/installation window: September 7 - October 7, 2024 (note: the tunnel will be open to foot traffic)
• Completion date: October 7, 2024

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility: 

• Artists must be at least 18 years old.
• Artists must reside in the state of Michigan.
• Artists must have mural experience, and have successfully completed at least two public murals.

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for the City of Petoskey Public Mural will be based on: 

• the site specific relevance of the design:  reflecting or evoking the cultural and environmental contexts.
• the appropriateness of the concept/design for the architecture of the tunnel.
• the aesthetic qualities, including color, form, composition, visual or actual texture.
• the demonstrated skill and experience of the applicant.
• the amount of the bid in relationship to the complexity of the design, technique, or record of the applicant.