Call Description

Project Intent:  The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (LCRA) is dedicated to revitalizing key areas in Lakeland, specifically the Downtown, Midtown, and Dixieland Districts. Its mission is not just about physical redevelopment, but also fostering a more vibrant, economically prosperous, and sustainable community for all.

The Art Infusion Program launched in 2019 as part of a creative initiative designed to leverage cultural tourism to drive economic development. By offering incentives for commercial properties, the program focuses on refreshing building facades through the installation of murals. These murals not only beautify the area but also engage the local art community, helping to generate jobs and foster creativity.

The program highlights the powerful role that art plays in revitalizing urban spaces and stimulating local economies.

Cultural tourism, which often includes art-related activities, plays a significant role in local economies. The arts attract visitors, encourage spending, and help develop a city's cultural identity, all of which contribute to long-term economic growth.

When communities invest in public art, they not only enhance their appeal but also create job opportunities in the arts sector, from artists and curators to event planners and marketing professionals. This ripple effect supports a wide range of industries, such as hospitality, retail, and transportation, as tourists flock to experience unique cultural offerings. Moreover, the arts often play a key role in revitalizing underdeveloped areas, transforming them into vibrant hubs that attract both residents and visitors.

So, by fostering cultural tourism through initiatives like the LCRA's Art Infusion Program, cities can significantly boost their local economy while also enriching the community's cultural landscape.

Application Requirements

The Lakeland CRA is seeking proposals from professional mural artists and artist teams with proven experience designing and installing large-scale exterior murals. Ideal candidates will demonstrate artistic excellence, originality, and a strong technical skillset through a portfolio showcasing a minimum of five completed exterior murals.

Preference will be given to artists who have successfully engaged community stakeholders and collaborated with building owners or public agencies on past projects. Artists should have the capacity to deliver projects on time and within budget, and should demonstrate an ability to develop murals that respond thoughtfully to site-specific opportunities and reflect the unique character of our community.

Artists with experience in other types of public art installations are also encouraged to apply and include examples of that work in their portfolio.

The CRA is particularly interested in working with artists who are passionate about contributing to the revitalization and beautification of Lakeland’s commercial and mixed-use corridors.

While preference will be given to artists based in Lakeland, Polk County, or the surrounding area, all Florida-based mural artists are encouraged to submit their qualifications for consideration.

Out-of-State Artists:

Artists who reside outside the State of Florida and wish to be considered for the Lakeland CRA Art Infusion Program must include a brief narrative in their application describing their interest in traveling to Lakeland to complete the project.

Please note that this program does not include reimbursement for travel, lodging, meals, or other per diem expenses. All related costs will be the responsibility of the artist.

Eligibility Criteria

Portfolio Submissions Requirements:

·       Submit the following materials by [deadline]

·       Letter of Interest (1 page max)

·       Artist Resume or Team Bios

·       Portfolio of at least 5 completed mural projects

o   images with locations of each mural

o   dimensions

o   total project costs

o   date completed

·       Three references for recent mural projects (from the murals provided above)

Artists are encouraged to submit more than the minimum number of mural examples and to include images of other completed public art projects if available — such as sculptures, monuments, or multimedia installations. For each work sample, please provide as much detail as possible, including:

·       Images with Location of the project

·       Dimensions

·       Total project cost

·       Date completed

·       Any collaborations with other artists, teams, or community partners

This additional information helps the CRA and building owners better understand the artist’s experience, technical capacity, and ability to deliver high-quality work in a public setting.

Artist Fees: As part of the Art Infusion Program, the CRA will promote the full portfolio of shortlisted artists selected in this Call to Artists. Once a building owner has selected their preferred artist(s), the CRA will confirm if the artist is available and interested on the selected building. Once this is confirmed, the CRA will make the introduction to get the creative concept process initiated. The CRA will provide the artist with a conceptual design fee of $250 to generate at least one concept, and mockup on the building façade for the building owner to review, as well as the CRA to review and accept. If any revisions or modifications are needed, the CRA will offer up to two (2) rounds of revisions (maximum of additional $250, for a total of $500 for all conceptual renderings).  

Once the concept design has been accepted and approved by all parties, the selected artist(s) will be provided a commissioned rate of $10 per square foot of mural wall space for the installation of the mural. In addition to the artist fee, the CRA will cover the cost of paint, supplies, equipment rental, wall preparation (pressure washing and priming), and sealing the mural upon completion. If an artist chooses to manage their own materials, wall preparation, and sealing, the CRA will provide a matching reimbursement of up to $5 per square foot of wall space for those costs. The total CRA contribution, including artist fees and all related expenses, will not exceed $25,000 per mural.