CALL FOR MURAL ARTISTS / REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
TOWN OF AVON RECREATION CENTER MURAL PROJECT for 2021

The Town of Avon, Colorado, (“Town”) requests proposals from multiple mural artists or artist teams to create an original mural or murals for the east facing exterior concrete block wall(s) of the Avon Recreation Center located on Mikaela Way. This is project of the Avon Town Council and Cultural, Arts & Special Events (“CASE”) Committee.

 Overview: The Recreation Center Mural Project (“Mural”) will help to establish a creative identity and spirit for the developing hardscape connection between the west end of the Main Street Mall and Harry A. Nottingham Park; the crowned jewel of the Town. The Mural will become a significant landmark, focal point, and gateway to Nottingham Park which inspires community, conversation and connection. Applicants may apply to design murals for one, two or all three walls although one artist or artist team for all three walls is preferred.

The enhancement of public places by integrating the creative work of artists improves the pedestrian experience and promotes vibrancy, creativity and livelihood in the community. The presence of and access to public art enlivens public areas and their grounds and makes them more welcoming. It creates a deeper interaction with the places where we live, work, and visit. Public art illuminates the diversity and history of a community, and points to its aspirations for the future. 

Project Intent:  To create a significant landmark, focal point and gateway between the east entry to Nottingham Park and the Main Street Mall which inspires community, conversation, connection; and, identifies Avon as an art community.  The selected artist is responsible for working with Town representatives on all aspects to include multiple iterations of design.

Design & Theme: The CASE Committee is seeking a design that will delight people with a unique and cheerful character representative of the mountain lifestyle. The theme could speak to the beauty of the area’s natural resources (Nottingham Park and Lake, Eagle River, native wildlife and/or plant/floral life); cultural legacy (Salute to the USA signature event, AvonLIVE! concert series, bronze sculpture collection), historical preservation (Metcalf Cabin, Nottingham Ranch, water wheel and Bob the Bridge); or the future of our creative and influences of our Latino cultural landscape.  The design should not be landscape of mountain scenery nor demonstratively urban.

Project Budget: Selected artist shall be paid up to a $10,000 stipend - See Table 1. The project budget is all-inclusive and must include all design fees, commercial liability insurance, all costs and materials for installation, including transportation, lodging and meals.    

The Town will clean and prime the site prior to installation.  The Town shall provide a boom lift and/or scissor lift for no more than 15 consecutive days for all three (3) walls. Any additional days required by artist must be communicated in the artist proposal submission.

Site Description: East facing exterior concrete block wall(s) of the Avon Recreation Center located on Mikaela Way.  The site is high visibility (pedestrians, motorists, cyclists) and has unique characteristics. At the base of Wall A and Wall B, is a ramp at lower than ground level to the loading dock of the Recreation Center with many exterior utility features and doors. Additionally, Wall B has three windows of equal size; and, Wall C has one large window. See Attachment A.

·     Wall A: 34' Tall x 48' Wide | Sq. Footage = 1,632
·     Wall B: 34' Tall x 35’2” Wide | Sq. Footage = 1,197
·     Wall C: 26’ 75” Tall x 33’ 5” Wide | Sq. Footage 897
·      Total Combined Sq. Ft. = 3,726

Eligibility:

1. The Request for Proposals is open to all artists and artist teams residing and working in Colorado.
2. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have all necessary documentation and permits to work in the United States at the time of submittal.
3. Applicants must be able to complete work before June 15, 2021.
4. Applicants must provide a statement regarding any conflicts of interest and listing of any litigation involving the artist in the past five (5) years and lawsuit dismissal and/or termination outcomes.

Criteria for Art:

1. Quality – The consideration of highest priority is the inherent artistic excellence of the mural(s) artwork as well as representing a diverse range of appeal within the community.
2. Timelessness – Mural(s) will be viewed as a long-term acquisition that should have aesthetic relevance to the community in future years and reflect enduring artistic quality.
3. Site Compatibility & Appropriateness – Mural(s) must be appropriate in scale, material form and content for both the immediate and general, social and physical environment in which the Mural(s) will be placed.
4. Elements of Design – The consideration that the Mural(s) will serve to establish a significant focal point, define spaces, inspire community, conversation and connections, establish creative identity, and create a gateway, among other things.
5. Permanence & Safety – Consideration will be given to permanence, protection against vandalism, weathering and excessive maintenance and repair costs.

1. Cooperation – Ability of the Mural artist(s) to work closely and cooperatively with CASE and Town staff.
2. Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge and experience of public mural art.
3. Presentation – Ability of the Mural artist(s) to clearly describe concepts verbally and through quality written materials.
4. Technical Feasibility - Ability of the Mural artist(s) to carry out the concepts described in the proposed Mural(s).
5. Timelines - Ability of the Mural artist(s) to deliver the mural art according to the agreed schedule.
6. Aesthetic Standard - CASE shall have the right to withhold recommending acceptance to Town Council of a Mural(s) until it clearly meets standards of artistic achievement agreed upon by most of the CASE members.

1. Artist and/or Artist Team Contact: Upload complete and accurate contact information.
2. Proposal: 
   • Include 1 to 5 images of your proposed (Mural(s) design (sketches, digital design, mock-up).
   • Project statement describing your approach and intention for the Mural(s).
3. References & Past Work: Three (3) relevant mural project references to include the following for each project:

• Main contact.
• Scope and description of project.
• Project budget.
• Project timeline.
• Project location.
• Minimum of three (3) digital images and maximum of eight (8) digital images.

4. All selected artists must execute a copy of the  Independent Contractor Agreement (“ICA”) – See Attachment B.

Anticipated Timeline:

• Artist Call for entry: January 27, 2021.
• Deadline for entry: February 22, 2021. EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 23, 2021
• Proposed selection notification: March 22, 2021.
• Installation of work: June 1 through June 15, 2021.
• Completion of work: June 15, 2021

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria