Request for Proposal
Public Art at Central Campus (Formerly Central Elementary School)
Neosho Arts Council seeks proposals for a site-specific public art installation for the exterior of Central Campus that will further beautify the site in question.
Overview of project scope/vision/goals of the installation
Neosho Arts Council is working with Central Campus and the Neosho School Foundation to bring a new work of public art to the region. This mural will be installed on the north facing exterior of Central Campus and should be suitable in theme and design for the location and community.
Artist will grant Neosho Arts Council, Neosho School District, and Neosho School Foundation rights to use the mural in promotional materials only. Artist will retain full copyright to the mural.
The mural will be painted on panels and installed at Central Campus. This will allow for the mural to be painted at the artist’s home studio or location of choice.
Mural Theme
“Big Spring Park: Past, Present, and Future”
Artists are asked to be inspired and respond to the theme “Big Spring Park: Past, Present, and Future” for the mural design. Representational and abstract designs will both be accepted for consideration.
Artist proposals will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
• Site specificity: ability of the work to engage art audiences and the general public with
the location using elements of imagery, design, creativity, etc.
• Quality of the proposal and prior work
• Fit for Central Campus, City of Neosho
• Feasibility of the proposal
• Originality and timeliness
Artist Eligibility
• Applicant or applicant team must be experienced as a visual artist
• Provide evidence of producing a large-scale outdoor public art project within the past ten years
(preferred, not required. Evidence of being able to produce work on a schedule is needed.)
• Able to travel to Neosho, MO with the mural panels to be onsite during installation
Selection Process Overview
Neosho Arts Council and the Neosho School Foundation will review applications and select a finalist to execute their design for the site contingent on approval of Neosho School Board and City of Neosho Historic District Committee and acceptance of subsequent design development deliverables.
In addition to meeting eligibility requirements selection of finalists will be based on the following criteria:
• Quality of letter and quality of work samples
• Ability of artist or team to successfully design, produce and install project, based on application materials provided.
Design concepts must meet the following criteria:
• Conveys artistic excellence and supports goals of the project including:
• Honoring the location as a historic site for the community
• Honoring the current community culture or its history
• Creativity and use of space
• Consider ways to creatively and meaningfully engage community
• Flexibility in design after engaging with local stakeholders
• Has a broad appeal and considers diverse audiences
• Is durable relative to the environment, vandalism, and changing seasons
• Is considered safe and low-maintenance
Audience
Selected work must able to withstand the effects of weather and public use for a minimum of two years.
Prior to preparing proposals, applicants are encouraged to visit the location in Neosho, MO.
Artworks will be on display free of charge to passersby 24/7 creating a destination for community members and tourists.
Site Information and Size
The site is located at 311 Big Spring Drive, Neosho, MO 64850. The road curves in road of the murals location running east to west. The building and mural location stands tall above the road and faces north. It is located above Neosho’s historic Big Spring Park. This should be taken into consideration when determining the character of the public art piece.
The mural will be painted on panels that will be installed on the brick building surface. The mural will be 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Panels are metal and mural must be painted in oil based paint. A UV-seal will be placed over the mural to help protect it.
Timeline
All required materials should be submitted by 5:00 PM on June 27, 2024; a confirmation email will be sent to applicants once materials are received.
How to Apply
The following should be sent to [email protected] with the subject line “Central Campus Mural Proposal” by 5:00 PM on June 27, 2024.
1. COVER SHEET
Applicants must include a cover sheet with:
Full name
Mailing address
Phone number
Email address
Also include the mural title and a single paragraph summarizing the proposed project. Include information on your design including inspiration, history, notable figures, etc.
(If applying as a team, please include the names and emails for each team member and identify one team member as the lead contact.)
2. PROJECT PROPOSAL AND BUDGET
Applicants must submit renderings and sketches of the proposed project. Proposals must demonstrate feasibility within the budget of $2,000. (Panels will be provided and are not part of the budget).
3. CURRENT RESUME OR CV
Resume or CV should include information about education; work and teaching experience; exhibition history, if applicable; awards, grants, and residencies; and other relevant information.
4. RECENT WORK WITH IMAGES AND SCRIPT
Applicants must include (up to ten) digital images of recent works. These images are in addition to images submitted as part of the project proposal. Art concepts and/or recent works may be in any medium. Include numbered list that corresponds to the submitted images should also be included. For each image, include the title, date, and a brief description of the work.
All required materials should be submitted by 5:00 PM on June 27, 2024; a confirmation email will be sent to applicants once materials are received.
How to Apply
The following should be sent to [email protected] with the subject line “Central Campus Mural Proposal” by 5:00 PM on June 27, 2024.
1. COVER SHEET
Applicants must include a cover sheet with:
Full name
Mailing address
Phone number
Email address
Also include the mural title and a single paragraph summarizing the proposed project. Include information on your design including inspiration, history, notable figures, etc.
(If applying as a team, please include the names and emails for each team member and identify one team member as the lead contact.)
2. PROJECT PROPOSAL AND BUDGET
Applicants must submit renderings and sketches of the proposed project. Proposals must demonstrate feasibility within the budget of $2,000. (Panels will be provided and are not part of the budget).
3. CURRENT RESUME OR CV
Resume or CV should include information about education; work and teaching experience; exhibition history, if applicable; awards, grants, and residencies; and other relevant information.
4. RECENT WORK WITH IMAGES AND SCRIPT
Applicants must include (up to ten) digital images of recent works. These images are in addition to images submitted as part of the project proposal. Art concepts and/or recent works may be in any medium. Include numbered list that corresponds to the submitted images should also be included. For each image, include the title, date, and a brief description of the work.