Mural Artist Prequalification Program

Call for Submissions:  deadline January 9, 2015

The Arts Council of Indianapolis seeks to establish a new pool of highly qualified artists and artist teams for a number of open calls and commissioning opportunities for outdoor murals (wall-based artwork) over the next several years.

Artists who qualify will be eligible for selection for mural projects with budgets up to $100,000.  Budgets are inclusive of design, travel, artists’ fees, fabrication, installation, insurance coverage, and all other costs associated with the design and production of mural artwork.

Eligibility

• Artists working in all media and styles are encouraged to apply.
• Artists must be at least 18 years of age and live in the United States
• Prior experience with public art commissions is not a requirement; however, applicant artists and artist teams must demonstrate the ability to design and successfully complete large-scale, exterior, wall-based work.

Selection Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following:

• Artistic quality: artist’s submission displays a record of appropriate, yet innovative, concepts brought to a site or project, and documents creative and stylistically distinctive solutions to design and site challenges
• Aesthetic sensibility: artist’s work displays an aesthetic that would be desirable for a project for Indianapolis
• Technical ability: artist’s submission indicates skill with materials and techniques similar to those that would be required for likely projects
• Experience: artist’s submission has indicated familiarity with clients and conditions similar to those that would be used on likely projects, or has demonstrated the ability on past projects to quickly acquire the skills needed to be successful on a project similar to what the artist will encounter in Indianapolis
• Process: artist’s materials indicate that the working relationship will be pleasant and the completed project will successfully meet likely challenges, including completing all documentation and managing the given project budget

Submission Requirements

Artist must submit the following on one CD:

• Applicant Information: Complete the questionnaire on page 4 and 5. An editable digital version can be provided upon request.
• Cover Letter / Statement of Approach: This letter should be no longer than one typed letter-sized page using 12-point font and 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Professional Resume or CV: No longer than 3 pages
• Work Samples: (up to 10 digital images)
  • Please submit examples of artwork that best represent your experience, style, and ability. You may also submit images of any other pieces (large scale or otherwise) that best represent your work over the past 5 years.
  • Format: JPG or PDF files for static images.  BRIEF video clips in Quicktime, MOV or MP4 may also be submitted.
  • Good quality, no smaller than 3” x 5” at 72 dpi
  • No hard copies – electronic files only
  • Name files according to the following format:
    • jpg, LastName_02.jpg, etc.
  • Work Sample List: Include a list of the work samples included on the CD and as much information about each of the samples as possible (include name/title of piece, year completed, client name, location, medium, dimensions, process, and any other applicable and pertinent information). Here is an example of a an entry:
    • Searching and Finding, 123 N. Main Street, Indianapolis, IN, acrylic on brick, 10’ x 30’ x 4’, 2009, JaneArtist_01.jpg.

Each artist must label the submitted CD with his or her name and “MURAL PREQUALIFICATION PROGRAM”.

Delivery of Submissions

All required materials must be delivered by 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on Friday, January 9, 2015.

Submissions MUST be delivered or mailed to:

Arts Council of Indianapolis

Attn: Mural Prequalification Program

924 N. Pennsylvania Street

Indianapolis, IN 46204-1021

We will not accept submissions via email.

Please review the following for more information:

Why are you prequalifying artists?

Because there will be calls for artists coming out up to twice a year or more, it does not make sense for every highly qualified artist to reapply for consideration each time.  Creating a pool of prequalified artists makes it easier for such artists to indicate their interest without having to go to the effort of sending materials each time.  Having a pool of prequalified artists also makes it efficient for the Arts Council to address “pop-up” mural projects as funding and time permit, and to turn projects around more quickly.

What does “prequalified” mean?

Being named as a prequalified artist means that when a new call comes out, you can simply email the Arts Council by the given deadline and indicate that you want to be considered.  The selection panel has already reviewed and approved your aesthetic, experience and technical skill and you will automatically move into the finalist group for that call.

Am I guaranteed a commission if I am on the prequalified list?

No.  The entire finalist pool—prequalified artists as well as artists who applied at the time of the open call—will be reviewed for a good match between artist, site and community.  There will almost always be more interested and qualified artists than there are commission opportunities, so some finalists, including prequalified artists, will not receive commissions.

Are prequalified artists given preference for new projects?

No.  Although the artist’s skill, experience and quality have been approved, much more goes into the matching process.  Every finalist—prequalified or not—is considered equally at the time of each fresh group of opportunities.

Once prequalified, will I stay prequalified forever?

No.  The designation will last for three years and then you will need to again send your materials in response to an open call for mural artists.

If I am not prequalified now, when will be my next chance to try again?

Simply apply to the next open call for mural artists.  When we review the applicants we will ask the selection panel if they feel any should be on the prequalified list.  We will do this for each open call.

I’ve applied to several Arts Council mural projects but never received a commission.  What can I do to improve my application so I can become prequalified?

The path to prequalification will differ for each artist.  The best thing to do is to set up an appointment with the Arts Council’s public art staff for a private consultation.  We can analyze your selection panel score records with you and help you develop your next steps.

Additional questions?  Contact: