Call for Community Mural: Downtown Chisholm

The City of Chisholm, the Chisholm Downtown Revitalization Committee, and Chisholm Public Library are pleased to announce a request for proposal (RFP) to create a piece of public artwork. We are seeking a talented individual(s) to create a mural that celebrates and enhances our vibrant community through story and art.

Project Overview

Location: Green space, affectionately referred to as “Troll Park”, located between the Chisholm Public Library and Chisholm City Hall. 300 & 316 West Lake Street, Chisholm MN 55719

Medium: High resolution panels applied to outdoor cinderblock wall or comparable application. Must be designed for longevity in harsh outdoor climate.

Dimensions: ~76’wide x ~15’ tall  

Description: The proposed artwork is part of an overall space redesign located between City Hall and the Chisholm Public Library. The collective vision of the space includes the addition of locally inspired art, interactive experiences that foster play & connection, and creating community story that cultivates belonging.

Mural Aims To:

• Enhance a welcoming and unifying space within the community, serving as a destination for community activities, conversation and gatherings.
• Reflect the unique identity and spirit of our community by creating a sense of belonging – encouraging local pride and a sense of ownership among residents.
• Create an emotional experience where people can pause, reflect, and feel inspired by the art and environment around them.
• Honor the unique past of our area, embrace the present moment, and imagine the future.

Design Considerations:

*Below are design elements for consideration based off committee and community conversation, not provided as requirements or restrictions towards artist vision.  

• Honoring the nature and environment around us, highlighting local elements, native flora and animals.
• Incorporating local landmarks, icons, buildings, and/or symbols that define the community.  
• With the library in close proximity, using the library as inspiration to celebrate the magic of imagination and the power of storytelling.
• Incorporating magical realism – A style or genre of fiction and art that presents a realistic view of the world while incorporating magical elements, often blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. 
• Using uplifting hues that transition from moody/cool to vibrant/rich that evoke a sense of harmony between light/day and dark/night, embracing all seasons of weather and life.
• Including functional pieces such as interactive components, solar lighting if applicable, and multi-sensory features.

Eligibility

The RFP is open to artist(s) 18 years of age or older. Preferred applicants are able to demonstrate previous experience with mural painting or large-scale public art projects.

Concept Discovery Meeting

A concept discovery meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 29th 5:00PM at the Chisholm Public Library. This meeting, while not mandatory, is highly encouraged. Artist will get an opportunity to see the space, talk to members of our committee, and get deeper insight on community vision. It will also offer an opportunity for artist(s) to ask questions and clarify any uncertainties before formally submitting an application.

*If you are an artist planning on attending the concept discovery meeting, please RSVP to Katie at kchristenson@ci.chisholm.mn.us by Monday, October 21st  

Funding / Compensation

This project has been funded by the Rural Leadership Boost Grant through the Blandin Foundation.

Scale ranging from $20,000 – $28,000 paid in two lump sums. 1st payment at final approval and 2nd payment upon installation. Inclusive of all artist fees, travel, research, design, materials, fabrication, transportation, insurance, installation/construction and documentation.

Background

The Chisholm Downtown Revitalization Committee (CDRC) is a grassroots, woman-led effort in Chisholm, MN. The committee is made up of community volunteers with varying backgrounds who all have a unifying interest in the vibrancy and vitality of our community.

The CDRC has leveraged over $200,000 in grant funding and has successfully implemented over 15 projects since 2016. CDRC focus is on projects that enhance the downtown, complement local initiatives, and build on opportunities and momentum that will enhance the vitality of the heart of Chisholm. Some of those projects include; a downtown pocket park with an annual summer music series, public art installations (murals, sculptures, utility box art wraps), a historical walking tours and other impactful works. 

Project Schedule

• Concept discovery meeting – Tuesday, October 29^th, 2024 at 5:00PM
• Deadline for submissions – Monday, December 2^nd, 2024
• Submissions reviewed by committee and finalist(s) chosen to interview
• Finalists interviewed – mid December
• Project awarded – Final city council meeting of 2024
• Preliminary concept deadline -TBD
• Committee feedback / project revision -TBD
• Final approval – TBD
• Project completion and installation – May 25^th, 2025

Selection Criteria

An artist selection committee comprised of Chisholm Public Library board members and members of the Chisholm Downtown Revitalization Committee will review all submissions and select finalists to be interviewed.

Artist will be selected based on budget schedule, proposed concepts, and experience.

Submission Guidelines

Artist(s) interested in the project should submit one copy of each of the following:

1. Letter of Interest, no more than 1 page in length, which explains the artist’s interest in the project and relevant experience.

2. Resume, no more than three pages.

3. 3-5 images of the artist’s, work that feel most relevant, including the artist’s name and a brief description of each image. Images can be dropped off at the Chisholm Public Library, emailed, or sent via mail on a flash drive.

4. High level conceptual sketch of your vision for the mural.

Postmark Deadline for Submissions

Please submit all materials by Monday, December 2nd, 2024  

How to Submit

• Email submissions to kchristenson@ci.chisholm.mn.us
• Mail Submissions to:

Chisholm Public Library
Attn: Katie Christenson
300 West Lake Street
Chisholm, MN 55719

• For questions or more information, contact Katie at 218-254-7913

Join us in shaping the future of art – your unique vision could be the next masterpiece we celebrate!

Thank you for applying