Call for Graffiti and Aerosol Mural Artists

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) in collaboration with the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) seeks graffiti artists and artist teams to design, create and install aerosol murals that inspire the various communities in which they will be placed. Selected artists will be required to work with the young apprentices (ages 14-23) by introducing and refining each student's artistic skill in the discipline of graffiti style sketch work and aerosol mural painting. 

  

MuralsDC was created to replace illegal graffiti with artistic works, to revitalize sites within communities in the District of Columbia, and to teach young people the art of aerosol painting. This initiative aims to positively engage the District's youth by teaching proper professional art techniques, providing supplies, and a legal means to practice and perform their artistic skill in a way that promotes respect for public and private property and community awareness. 

  

The three platforms on which the MuralsDC project is based are: 

• Illegal Graffiti Abatement 
• Youth Outreach 
• Community Revitalization 

There are more than 50 MuralsDC projects across the District. Each mural tells a unique story of DC's diverse neighborhoods while deterring further illegal graffiti. 

  

ELIGIBILITY 

This commission is open to Graffiti and Aerosol Mural Art Artists and Artist Teams.
 

All Artists must: 

• Be 18 years of age or older. 
• Have Graffiti and or Aerosol Mural Art experience. 
• Be a practicing professional. 
• Be in good standing with the MuralsDC program.
• Be record free.

*Preference will be given to District of Columbia Artists. 

  

BUDGET & PAYMENTS 

Depending on site dimensions, the total budget for each mural will range from $3,000 to $13,500. 

• The mural budget must include all artist fees and costs associated with design, fabrication, travel, transportation to the site, insurance, permits, installation, graffiti protective coating, working with young people and documentation of the artwork. 

• The overall project budget includes the artist's design fees, compensation and travel expenses, all materials and fabrication costs, shipping and transportation of materials to the site, preparation of mural site, installation of the artwork, application of protective coating, and any applicable taxes and/or insurance. 

• Payments will be made directly to Final Artists. Principals and fiscal agents of any kind are prohibited. 

Funds under this program may not be used to fund colleges, universities, or other government agencies. 

  

TENTATIVE PROJECT SCHEDULE  

DATE	ACTIVITY
May 1, 2015	Application Deadline
Mid May 2015	Application Review Roster / Semi-Finalist Selections Notifications Issued
Late May 2015	Final Artist Selections Notifications Issued
Late may 2015	Site Assignments
Early- Mid June 2015	Mural Concept Designs Begin
Mid- Late June 2015	Final Approval of Mural Designs
July 2015	Mural Installations Begin
Early Fall 2015	Program Dedication / Culminating Event

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE 

Friday, May 1, 2015 

All materials must be received no later than 4:00 PM. 

This is not a postmark deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. 

APPLICATION 

To obtain a copy of the prospectus and application, please visit dcarts.dc.gov

FOR MORE INFORMATION 

Call 202-724-5613 or email Keona.Pearson@dc.gov