Call for Mural Artists! CRE8IV Transformational Art

CRE8IV Transformational Art works to encourage and enhance cultural life through public art by facilitation, recognition, and financial support of such. As part of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB), the CRE8IV initiative is looking to produce murals throughout the Rockford, IL region.  RACVB is soliciting artists with mural experience to produce large-scale works of art on exterior walls.  

LOCATION

The murals will be placed throughout the Rockford, IL region.  Each location will be selected based on its high visibility, overall wall condition and overall pedestrian traffic within the neighborhood. CRE8IV has curated 24 murals and 16 sculptures for the community.

PROJECT SCOPE AND REQUIREMENTS

PUBLIC ART MURALS

The targeted locations are within specific neighborhoods throughout the Rockford region.  Sizes range from 20’X30’ to 50’X100’

• Artists will be commissioned to exhibit original pieces of art.
• Works are required to be created with the best quality paints to help with longevity and overall look of piece.
• Murals that are vulgar, politically polarized, contain profanity or otherwise offensive language or symbols will not be considered.
• Content must be appropriate for all ages. The review committee reserves the right to inspect all work and instruct the removal of elements not approved in original sketch.
• Artists are strongly encouraged to showcase a diverse mix of styles including abstract, exuberant, positive, uplifting, and inspirational work.
• We recognize the sizes are vastly different and would commission at different costs.  We are looking to get a sense of your projects of various sizes and will assign a wall / provide dimensions prior to you creating anything specific for this project.

PUBLICITY

Artist hereby grants RACVB a royalty free, worldwide, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use images of the Artwork, for non-commercial purposes, to market, promote and advertise the exhibition of the Artwork.

Upon the installation of the Artwork, RACVB shall provide Artist with high-resolution digital images of the Artwork. RACVB hereby grants Artist a royalty free, worldwide, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the images of the Artwork provided by RACVB to Artist to market, promote and advertise the Artwork.

RACVB shall promote and publicize the exhibition of the Artwork, which shall include: (i) hosting a news conference to celebrate the installation of the Artwork, (ii) producing and distributing handouts/brochures with information about and images of the Artwork; (iii) contacting local and regional newspapers and media companies about the Artwork; (iv) inclusion in RACVB promotional materials including on www.gorockford.com and across its social media platforms.

EXHIBITION

The intent is to leave murals as a permanent piece of art for the foreseeable future.  However, the building owner has the right to paint or change their wall as they see fit.  There is no guarantee of longevity of the display.

COMMISSION

Artists are required to submit a proposal that includes all requirements for the project.  This should be an itemized list that includes, any/all fees other than what is noted below.

We will have your wall prepped and primed to your preferred color and provide an appropriate lift.  We will also provide 1 hotel room for you throughout your stay (anticipated 7 nights, not applicable to local applicants).  Your proposal should include a lump sum requirement for your original work, travel and paint/supplies.  We will consider additional items, such as additional hotel rooms, but this must be included in your proposal.

If selected, the payment schedule is as follows:

25% will be paid upon signing contract

75% will be paid upon completion.

SCHEDULE

Application Deadline:              Midnight, April 1, 2022

Review and Selection:            April 1-21, 2022

                                                (Selected projects must be approved by Review Committee and City of Rockford)

Artist Notification:                   No later than April 22, 2022

                                                (Dependent on approvals from City Council and Zoning Board)

Installation Dates:                   June 1-15, 2022

The RACVB Arts Fund reserves the right to update or revise the schedule, as necessary.  We want all artists on site during the same timeframe.

SELECTION

A selection panel composed of community members and facilitated by the RACVB will choose the finalists. Artists will be contacted once the decision has been made in a timely fashion to allow for planning of installation of sculpture.

Selection criteria including but are not limited to:

• Creates a sense of joy for those viewing the piece
• Suitable for all audiences
• Represents abstract, exuberant, positive, uplifting, and inspirational work
  • Nods to the Rockford region are encouraged
• Artist reputation, resume, exhibition history
• Overall appeal and aesthetic quality
• Able to meet overall project budget requirements
• Ability to complete the project during the install period (June 1-15)

APPLICATION

The CRE8IV Mural Application (follows the Call for Art) including required supporting information must be received by midnight, April 1, 2022.

Email to:

                                Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau – CRE8IV Murals

                                nblough@gorockford.com

(Please indicate “2022 CRE8IV Mural Application – Submittal” in the subject line)

OR

Mail to:

                                Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Charitable Foundation         

                                Attention:  CRE8IV Murals/Nicole Blough

                                102 Main Street                              

                                Rockford, IL 61101           

For more information on CRE8IV and to view information on the City’s current murals, please visit:

https://www.gorockford.com/things-to-do/public-art/

If you have questions, please contact the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at:              

                Phone:                  (815) 963-8111 or

                Email:                    nblough@gorockford.com