In 2015, the City of Plano put forth an initiative to transform the historic downtown neighborhood into a thriving arts district that incubates new creative talent and becomes the center for all Plano arts groups to receive information and opportunities. As part of this initiative, the Mural Project has been commissioned by Plano Art Association and the Historic Downtown Plano Association and is made possible by a grant from the Plano Heritage Commission.  The first phase of this project is for the creation of three murals.

The first mural is to be on the corner of 15 Place & Alex Schell across from the downtown Plano Dart station stop with dimension of the wall being 28 T x 72 L.  The second mural is required to have three dimensional relief componet to the design and will be located on the west wall of the Angela's at the Cross Walk restaurant on 15th street, the dimension of the second mural all is 21 T x 61 L.  The third mural’s location is still being determined; however it is to have a strong historical concept and design tied to Plano’s heritage and history.

The Project focus is to fulfill the objectives of promoting tourism, honoring the Plano heritage and enhancing historical education. The artwork concepts will be created using a collaborative process between artistic consultants, community stakeholders and Plano citizens. The project will include community engagement activities to keep the mural development both current and personal to Plano residents. The project will culminate with a public unveiling ceremony and press event in downtown with city officials, residents, private sector leaders and regional art advocates in attendance.

Budget:

Mural A: $26,100.00
Mural B: $26,300.00
Mural C: $4,100.00

The budget is to cover all costs incurred by the artist relating to the design, fabrication and installation of the art work.  Covered expenses include but shall not be limited to compensation for design and engineering services, materials, transportation of artwork, fabrication, installation, etc.
 

       Schedule Outline:

January 2017 - Call for artist 
February 2017 - Close the Qualifications Phase of this call with the selection of 4-6 artists, who will be asked to submit design proposals for one or more of the three murals
March 2017 - Finalize logistics / announce artists
April 2017 - Press and educational events, installation of murals, unveiling ceremony event

        Artist Eligibility:

All artists with the ability to design and fabricate a largescale mural are encouraged to respond to this Request for Qualifications.  Artists must be older than 18 years of age and must have created a mural larger than 10' x 10'. 

        Selection Process: 

Artists should submit their qualifications, a bio, 3 references, a statement of interest and 3 to 5 images of their work before February 10, 2017.

Up to six (6) artists will be selected as finalists to prepare a mural proposal design.

As finalists, each of these artists will be paid a fee of $500.00 to submit these visual design proposals. This will be part of the final selection process. Each proposal requested will relate to one of the specific mural locations.

    About the City of Plano & Associated Entities:

Plano Art Association

The Plano Art Association was formed in 1969 as a non-profit organization, and continues to be a vital part of the community. Our purpose is to encourage the visual art development of members,  advance visual art values in community projects, further art education, to encourage creative activities related to art, and to enhance visual art values in the Plano community and beyond.

Historic Downtown Plano Association 

The Historic Downtown Plano Association (HDPA) is a 501 (c) 6 organization dedicated to preserving Downtown Plano's historic character and embracing its future featuring shops, restaurants, living and an urban lifestyle.

Historic Downtown Plano includes area bounded by Avenue G, 18th Street, 14th Street and Municipal Avenue. Downtown Plano is located East of 75th, Exit 15th Street.