Call Description

The City of Hopkins is seeking proposals for a series of small murals to be completed at three key locations in the city.  Hopkins, Minnesota, 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, is a dynamic confluence of historic and modern sensibilities with a mission to Inspire, Educate, Involve, and Communicate. 

The Hopkins Bird Mural Project is intended to draw attention to birds threatened by climate change and support the community of Hopkins through creative placemaking at key sites where public art can meet a variety of specific goals including:

• Highlight or support a cultural and ecological asset
• Add to the already robust art scene
• Emphasize the importance of birds in community life

Each mural must be a minimum of 2’ x 2’ and depict at least one bird species identified as ‘High Vulnerability’ in our area by the National Audubon Society.  A list of those species can be found at the link below:

https://www.audubon.org/climate/survivalbydegrees/county?zipCode=55343

SITE INFORMATION:

SITE 1: 923 Mainstreet, Hopkins, Minnesota, west facing façade adjacent to 10th Ave. N.  For scale reference the niche spaces measure approximately 101” tall by 77” wide (see View Site Details linked above for photo).  The space between niches is approximately 53”. Mural must be at least 2' x 2'.

SITE 2: 824 Mainstreet, Hopkins, Minnesota, niches in west facing façade adjacent to 9thth Ave. N.   Approximate dimensions 26” tall by 29” wide (see View Site Details linked above for photo)

SITE 3: 723 Mainstreet, Hopkins, Minnesota, angled façade.  Approximate dimensions of available space 63” tall x  84” wide (see View Site Details linked above for photo). Mural must be at least 2' x 2'.

In-kind Assistance

The City of Hopkins will work with the artist(s) to help make the project a success. The City of Hopkins will work with the artist(s) on logistics including access to water and a place to store materials.  Hopkins Public Works staff will be able to work with the artist(s) to make the space safe, including setting up traffic cones or barricades as needed. 

SELECTION PROCESS:

The Hopkins Public Art Advisory Committee will select up to three Artists/Artist Teams to complete a mural(s).

TIMELINE:

Artists will be notified of results by June 30, 2025

Murals to be completed by August 31, 2025

Application Requirements

Artists / Artist Teams will submit:

1. A minimum of 5 images of realized artwork representative of style(s) and approach. Preference will be given to samples of previously completed murals.
2. Resume or C.V.
3. A written description of the intended concept for proposed mural or murals, including which bird species will be depicted.
4. A proposed budget for the project

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to artists living in Minnesota.  With preference given to residents of Hopkins and Hopkins Center for the Arts Member Artists.