Call for Artists Request for Proposals DOWNTOWN MURAL Grand Forks, ND
The Downtown Development Association (DDA) alongside Northridge Construction are working together to beautify downtown and promote the exceptional people, places, and things that make up our thriving region through the creation of murals. The project should result in public artwork that lasts for years and create a landmark for residents and visitors alike.
PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS & CONSIDERATIONS
The mural should be vibrant and colorful, designed to capture attention from a distance while encouraging close-up interaction. It must include visually engaging elements that invite public participation—such as optical illusions or dimensional features—and be intentionally composed to serve as an ideal backdrop for shareable, Instagram-worthy photos. Examples provided below.
This project will be done under the oversight of the DDA and its consultants and will be housed under the DDA insurance and will follow all Grand Forks City Mural Ordinance Regulations and Requirements.https://library.municode.com/nd/grand_forks/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId= GRFOCO1987_CHXVIIILADECO_ART3RURE_18-0301SI
Characteristics should include:
● The mural should include bold colors, interactive features like prompts or 3D elements, and visually striking focal points that naturally frame people for photos.
● A design(s) that complements the surrounding historic area, and has local relevance
● Materials that are durable and resistant to vandalism and are appropriate for the space
SELECTION PROCESS
The submission materials listed below will be reviewed by a committee that may include representation from Downtown Development Association (DDA), mural consultant, and building owners among others. Selections will be made based on the quality and organization of presented materials, portfolio of previous work, resume of current artist (and any applicable help), art design, and the overall project approach.
SUBMISSION MATERIALS
1. Letter of intent from the artist, including contact information, that describes your interest in the project, how it relates to your body of work, the approach you envision, and the team you will form to complete it.
2. A brief concept proposal that describes your ideas for the mural; sketches are required.
3. Resumes of the lead artist/designer and core team members; include narrative describing the role(s) of team members.
4. Portfolio showcasing past projects/artwork. Include relevant information as to how they relate to the proposed mural: similarities in material, scale, site, etc.
5. Budget – a corresponding budget to include the artist’s desired fee, estimated materials costs, and any travel costs (if necessary)
BUDGET
Up to $6,500.00 including materials has been budgeted for this project. The successful artist/team is responsible for all costs associated with design, research, engineering, materials, fabrication, shipping/transportation, installation, taxes, insurance, and any other costs necessary to complete the project. A contract and easement application will apply as well as City permit and code requirements.
PAYMENT
If an artist’s design is selected for a mural site, the artist will work in partnership with DDA staff, and the mural consultant to identify materials needed. Materials may be purchased by the DDA. The remainder of the payment will be given upon project completion.
TIMELINE
May 13, 2025 Call for artists/RFP issued
June 16, 2025 Deadline for concept proposals
June 27, 2025 Finalist Confirmed
July/August 2025 Project begins
September 2025 Project Complete
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. The deadline for submission of concept proposals is 5 p.m. on June 16, 2025.
2. Please direct inquiries to: Downtown Development Association Jill Proctor - jill@gfdda.com 23 N. Third Street, Suite 2, Grand Forks, ND 58203 p. 701-757-4051 | c. 701-741-5085
3. Submissions can be sent via postal mail, email, or dropped off to the contact information listed above.
4. The DDA reserves the right to waive irregularities, to reject any or all submissions, to re-solicit submissions, and to negotiate with selected respondents if such action is deemed to be in the City’s best interests. The DDA retains the right to negotiate modifications to all submissions.
5. Mural developed pursuant to this request will be owned by the building owner and the artist(s) will retain copyright ownership.
6. No board member or employee of the DDA shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in any resultant contract or the proceeds thereof.
https://downtownforks.com/murals
https://www.gofoundation.org/grants.html
View full RFP: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ae1ec409f8770bcd0af3574/t/6823a0a765c4ac5b3095ad62/1747165352372/Franklin+Mural+RFP.pdf