Call for Muralists: Stair Mural Project at Belmar Shopping Complex

Muralist RFQ (Request for Qualifications)

a Partnership between Belmar Shopping District, the Alameda Corridor Business Improvement District (ACBID) and 40 West Arts

KEY INFORMATION

·       Submission of Qualifications Deadline: Sunday April 28, 2024

·       Finalist Notification: May 3, 2024 (approximate)

·       Finalist Design Deadline: Two weeks following finalist notification (exact date will be provided during notification process)

·       Mural Completion Date: On or around May 31, 2024

·       Finalist Design Stipend: $150

·       Artist Stipend: $12,500

·       Note: Please review the mural process and dates before submitting to this project. If you cannot meet the above timeline regarding this mural project, please do not apply.

CREATIVE BRIEF
We seek a muralist to paint a stair mural on-site at Belmar Shopping District, an active shopping complex with daily visitorship in the thousands. Artists are encouraged to approach the murals in any way they choose. Varied styles, mediums and concepts are welcomed. Artists should take into account that Belmar is a community and City asset. Please stick to themes that would be appropriate for a range of audiences and no political or provocative mural themes will be considered. Beyond these constraints, artists are truly invited to approach these murals using bold styles, colors, concepts and patterns. Some theme ideas include (but are not limited to) geometric shapes, abstract patterns, floral patterns, nature, Colorado, community, etc.

This mural is to be painted on the pedestrian stairs that extend from Whole Foods on the East side, down to street level at S. Vance Street. Mural dimensions are approximately 730 square feet total. This is split between (a) the front and top of each stair step as visible from S. Vance Street and (b) three concrete landings that anchor the stairs at intervals. See images below.

Your design should be cohesive throughout the mural, creating one visual statement that runs the length of the stairs and through each of the three landings. Additionally, when viewed from S. Vance Street, the eye should see one mural extending up the stairs vertically. This is one mural project, not multiple separate and distinct murals. See examples images below for reference.

This mural is intended to be bold, colorful, and easily viewed from both street level, the and Whole Foods parking/pedestrian area. While color-blocking, geometric, or large-scale elements seem most appropriate for this particular project, we are truly open to a creative and unique artist approach. If you are selected as a finalist, you may submit more than one design concept for review.

Mural Example 1: Modera Prominence
Mural Example 2: Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn
Mural Example 3: Yulia Agustanovich
Mural Example 4: Sharon Dowell
Mural Example 5: Caitlin Taguibao and Andrea Manica

MURAL REQUIREMENTS
Mural artists will be responsible for the design, fabrication, delivery and installation of the artwork within the given budget including using appropriate paints for the surface and an appropriate outdoor sealant. Artist is responsible for all paint, supplies and other costs associated with this mural. For this project, artist will be paid a $12,500 stipend. Artist will assume all responsibility for insurance, logistics and site management. 40 West Arts and Belmar will prep the mural site beforehand including power washing the surface. Belmar will be responsible for maintaining the mural. The lifespan of this mural project before renovations or touch-ups is expected to be 5-8 years. Please use high-quality paints and sealant.

MURAL LOCATIONS AND DIMENSIONS
Mural will be located outdoors, on concrete pavement at Belmar Shopping District, 7337 W Alaska Drive, Lakewood, CO 80226. Mural dimensions are approximately 730 square feet total. This is split between (a) the front and top of each stair step as visible from S. Vance Street and (b) three concrete landings that anchor the stairs at intervals.

SUBMISSION PROCESS
The timeline for this process is below. Please only submit to this project if you can meet the general timeline and requirements.

1.   Submission of Qualifications Deadline: Sunday April 28, 2024
Interested applicants will submit, via email in a SINGLE PDF the following information 1) Artist resume with mural projects specifically 2) Links to social media accounts with artist work 3) Images of mural and stair mural (if applicable) projects 4) Images of other works that are representative of you as an artist. Please note that we will select artists based on the visuals and resume you provide. Include as much information as you think will help us to choose you for this project.

2.   Finalist Notification Deadline: May 3, 2024 (approximate)
We will notify all artists regarding this project on or around the deadline. If you are selected as a finalist, you will then have additional time to complete one or more specific design concepts for this project. Finalists will be provided a $150 stipend for their time and efforts. Please, to the best of your ability, give us your design concept(s) in its completed form, meaning scale, color palettes, design outlay, and any other details that would help us to understand your concept. Artists may submit more than one design concept.

3.   Finalist Design Deadline: Two weeks following finalist notification (exact date will be provided during notification process)
We will work to notify the selected artist (and all finalists) as soon as possible following the submission deadline.

4.   Completed Project Deadline: On or around May 31, 2024.

PARTNERS
Belmar Shopping District: With 80+ local boutiques and national brands, your options at Belmar are unlimited. Belmar was built in 2004 to bring back the golden days of Lakewood. In its heyday, downtown Lakewood was home to the Villa Italia Shopping Center. And before that, home to May Bonfils-Stanton’s Belmar Mansion. Clearly a magnet for movers and shakers. A place where people could come together to shop and dine. Given the vision of many over 15 years ago, Belmar today is the shopping and dining destination of Lakewood. Located at the corner of Alameda + Wadsworth, Belmar offers over 80 shops and restaurants, entertainment and events along with several live + work arrangements.

Alameda Corridor Business Improvement District (ACBID): The ACBID promotes a vibrant community in the Downtown Lakewood Business Corridor through financial stewardship and strategic partnerships. The core vision of ACBID is to inspire a thriving business corridor where people aspire to be!

40 West Arts: 40 West Arts is a state-certified Creative District located along historic West Colfax Avenue and with the mission of highlighting and supporting art, creativity and economic development in the corridor through events, exhibitions, experiences and more.

ELIGIBILITY
All artists are eligible. You must be able to make all deadlines listed above and be available to paint during the scheduled painting day.

HOW TO SUBMIT
Submit entries to submissions@40WestArts.org. Please adhere to the following guidelines. We retain the right to reject submissions if they do not follow this format.   

·        Submit your packet, via email to the following address: submissions@40WestArts.org

·        Your email subject heading must read ‘Submission: Belmar Mural_First Name, Last Name

·        Resume

·        Contact Information

·        Social Media Links

·        Images of Murals and Ground Murals

·        Images of Representative Work

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Artist Requirements: Artist is responsible for two designs, design edits, all paint, supplies and other costs associated with this mural. Artist will assume all responsibility for insurance, logistics and site management.

Questions? Email: info@40westarts.org | Call: 303-275-3430 | Learn more at www.40WestArts.org