2024 CityArt On the Go Call for Artists

The CityArt Committee, a program of the City Center Partnership and Twin Rivers Council for the Arts, seeks to commission multiple artists for the 2024 CityArt On the Go, traffic signal mural project. Four (4) locations have been determined in City Center Mankato, MN (see attached). The murals are intended to enhance the aesthetics of the City Center using traffic signal control cabinets already in place. A selection committee will select the artists for this third phase of the multi-year project.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Proposals will be received by Twin Rivers Council for the Arts

 2024 CityArt On the Go
Submittal Deadline: Tuesday, August 6, 2024
$20 application fee
Via email to: wyatt@twinriversarts.org
By mail to:  Twin Rivers Council for the Arts,  Wyatt Miller, Program Manager, PO Box 293, Mankato, MN 56002

A copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) may be downloaded here or picked up at the Twin Rivers office, 523 S. 2^nd St. Mankato, MN.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions concerning scope of project and submittal process should be directed to Wyatt Miller, Program Manager at 507-508-7165 / wyatt@twinriversarts.org

 PROJECT
The CityArt Committee of Mankato, MN is requesting artist proposals in an open competition for artists to create original murals on identified traffic signal control cabinets (TSCC) sited within the Mankato City Center. These TSCC’s replaced four older TSCC boxes at their original location. The goal of the project is to provide art on the new boxes to enhance the aesthetics of City Center, increase pedestrian traffic and extend public art to new areas of the Mankato City Center. The TSCC’s are functioning units and need to be opened periodically by utility personnel.

For examples of work done in the earlier phases of the project, visit: https://www.cityartmankato.com/tours/on-the-go/

 Locations – A maximum of four (4) TSCC’s have been identified for artwork in this third phase of the multi-year project. These four TSCC’s are located at the intersections of Warren Street and Front Street, Warren Street and 2^nd Street, Warren Street and Broad Street, and Main Street and Broad Street. Each is in a location that provides a safe environment for artists to work and maximum visibility for pedestrians and drivers. Each available TSCC has been designated for paint or vinyl. Dimensions of the TSCC are generally 56”H x 44” W x 26”D. Art should cover all sides and top of the box. Designs should take into consideration that the TSCC will be visible for short glimpses of passing vehicles and some will have more pedestrian traffic than others.

Safety & Durability – The artwork is intended to be a permanent addition to the Mankato City Center. The painted TSCC’s should last 25-30 years; the vinyl wraps should last 5-7 years. Design and installation must consider that the work will be situated in a public location and subject to the elements and potential vandalism. Access to the boxes and to the contents of the boxes must be possible at any time. The contents of the boxes have the potential to generate extreme levels of heat. The existing required labeling for each TSCC must remain visible. The hinges on each box that open the cabinet are NOT to be painted.

ARTIST ELIGIBILITY
The project is open to any and all artists. All eligible applicants, regardless of race, sex, religion, nationality, origin or disability will be considered.  In an effort to compile a diverse collection of artworks and artists, individuals will be awarded no more than two (2) commissions in a twenty-four (24) month period.

TIMEFRAME OF COMPLETION
Artists doing vinyl wraps need to have their image(s) ready to print by September 9^th to SignPro of Mankato. Vinyl wraps will be professionally installed by SignPro.

Artists doing paint will complete their TSCC(s) from September 6^th – 18^th (weather permitting). Please see detailed timeline at the end of this document.

ARTIST STIPEND
The total budget for each TSCC (paint or vinyl) will be $1,400 and includes all materials, artist labor, travel and other incurred expenses. Artists will receive half of their compensation before they begin the project and the last half once the project is complete. Please note that the cost for creating and installing a vinyl wrap is $1050.00

MATERIALS
Painted TSCCs: Artists painting the TSCCs will use a 4-step process: applying primer, painting the design, applying a protective isolation coat and applying the final protective varnish or clear coat. It is imperative that the artist apply all 4 steps to ensure maximum lifespan of the mural (failure to do so will result in withholding of stipend). The CityArt Committee has specified the following acrylic-based products for use. Artists must use recommended paints as they are high quality, outdoor paints:

Primer: Zinsser BULLS EYE 1-2-3 (available at paint and hardware stores in Mankato).

Paint: The companies listed have technical tips on their websites related to painting murals. For example, some colors have a longer lifespan than others (some reds and yellows fade rapidly – discuss specific color with company).

Golden Artist Color (goldenpaints.com/products/color/index.php)
(Available at Michaels and other area craft stores)

Isolation Coat (layer between paint and protective clear coat)

Golden Artist Color: Soft Gel Gloss
(www.goldenpaints.com/products/medsadds/gels/gels.php)

Protective Varnish/Clear Coat

Golden Artist Color: MSA Varnish
(www.goldenpaints.com/products/varnish/msa.php)

IMPORTANT: Do not paint over door hinges, door handles, locks, key holes, or glass windows.

Vinyl TSCCs: Artists producing “digitally enhanced works” may choose a printed vinyl wrap. Artists applying vinyl will have a one-step process: designing the vinyl wrap and sending the image to SignPro. Artists must use the designated sign company, SignPro of Mankato, to produce and install the vinyl wrap.

DESIGN CRITERIA

• Artwork must be original and may not be work that has been sold or reproduced in any way.
• Design must include all sides of the TSCC and top.
• Designs must not contain any representations of traffic lights, signs or signals.
• If the design is to include text, it must be included in the design application. TSCC’s may not be used for advertisement or to promote a business, product or viewpoint.
• Designs may not include any breach of intellectual property, trademarks, brands, images of illegal activity or involve the attachment of any objects to the box.
• Designs should not mimic or take the style of graffiti.
• The finished artwork will be in the public domain and therefore may be subject to vandalism. Accordingly, artists should be thoughtful about having large open areas in the design. For example, large areas of a single color might give a vandal the perfect spot to deface the work.

CityArt On the Go is designed to enhance the Mankato City Center by adding works of art to streetscape on surfaces. Artwork on TSCC’s function as a form of communication to a moving audience with the goal of creating a safe, inclusive and interesting environment. Successful proposals will foster community pride and convey the sense of community. When designing your artwork, think of the relevance of the image to the project site and its users (pedestrians, commuters and neighborhood citizens). Consider what makes Greater Mankato unique: the arts, history, music, community events, recreational opportunities and special attractions.

SELECTION PROCESS
The TSCC Selection Committee will consist of members from the CityArt Committee, and the City of Mankato. The selection committee will review applications and make final selections August 13^th. The selection committee reserves the right to reject any and all entries at any time in the review and selection process.

SELECTION CRITERIA
All artwork to be selected will be major public art commissions. As such, the TSCC Selection Committee expects that it be of the highest quality in both concept and execution while recognizing public safety and durability. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of artistic and technical merit as well as relevance of proposed design. The TSCC Selection Committee will review all materials received by the specified deadline for content, completeness, qualifications, experience and references.

CONTRACT
Upon selection and final design approval, the artist must complete a contract with the TSCC Selection Committee. All finished work will reflect the drawings, design, and concept approved by the TSCC Selection Committee. Once the contract has been received, the artist will receive half of their stipend. Final payments will be made on September 23, 2024 provided that the work is completed and reflects the design specified in the application.

APPLICATION MATERIALS TO BE SUBMITTED
Artists may submit up to three (3) design proposals. Please include all of the following in your application packet. Artists can mail in the required documents or email all application materials to: Wyatt@twinriversarts.org.

INCLUDE:

1. Completed application (attached);
2. Artist statement(s) – 1 page maximum;
3. Renditions of the imagery that is intended for the cabinet, submitted in jpg or pdf format. The renderings must show imagery on all sides and top. Please use the attached “Design Template” to show how the work will appear (you can recreate template if need be);
4. At least 2 examples of previous work in a jpg or pdf format.

PROJECT TIMELINE
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 – Application Submission Deadline
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 – Selection Committee meets
Week of August 13, 2024 – Selected artists notified
September 9, 2024 – Vinyl wrap image to SignPro. Installed by SignPro on the second week of September.
Friday, September 6 , 2024– Painted TSCC artists prime the TSCC(s). September 7-18 – TSCC painted, stabilized and sealed. (Timeframe subject to change depending on weather conditions)
September 23, 2024 – Final payment to artist for completed work

DOWNLOAD RFP AND SUBMISSION FORM