Dear Artists,
The University Park Neighborhoods (UPN) is thrilled to announce the next opportunity
for local artists to collaborate with the Grand Forks community on public murals. This is
a collaborative effort with the Skimore Park Revitalization project team .
We are seeking skilled individuals to create a mural that will not only beautify Skidmore
Park, located on the northeast side of Grand Forks just off Gateway Drive, but also
engage budding youth artists in a collaborative process. Our plan is to foster a sense of
community through the creation and appreciation of public art and to help young artists
gain knowledge and skills.
Desired themes for incorporation into the mural design include environmental education
and sustainability awareness of north Grand Forks history.
Skidmore Park will become the home to a community veggie garden, an indigenous
medicinal plants garden, and accessible picnic areas for the community to enjoy.
Themes celebrating the diverse interconnected community of north Grand Forks are
welcome.
Proposal Deadline: May 1st, 2024
Design Specifics:
Location: On the northwest wall of Accurate REI (1130 N 5th St) facing Skidmore
Park in Grand Forks, ND
Mural Size: Dependent on artist’s design
Budget Allocation:
Artist Fee: $1000 - $2250 (Depending on experience and complexity of design)
Materials: $2000
Mounting and public unveiling: $500-750
Total Budget Range: $3500 - $5000
Materials To Be Used
High-grade artist acrylic paints (e.g., professional brands like Golden or Liquitex)
Aluminum Composite Board
Professional-grade brushes and tools
Premium sealant for enhanced protection
Additional high-quality supplies (e.g., mixing palettes, cleaning solutions)
Collaborative Process
The chosen artist will work as part of our Budding Creatives in the Park programming.
The Budding Creatives participants, a group of 5-10 people aged 10-14, will be involved
in the painting of the final mural along with the artist.
Painting will need to be completed in the final week of June and/or first week of July.
The artist will be selected by the project team, and the final design will be developed
with input from UPN, our community partners, and the building owner.
Project Vision and Implementation
The chosen mural will be the second in a series of murals in the north Grand Forks
community. Each piece will offer a unique perspective on learning, growth, and
community. We encourage artists to consider designs that incorporate particular themes
such as environmental education and awareness, or the history of north Grand Forks
into the mural design.
The final design will be selected through a community engagement process.
Submission Requirements
Please provide the following to universityavenuegf@gmail.com:
1. Portfolio: Please submit a portfolio showcasing your previous design work or
relevant projects.
2. Letter of Intent: This project will involve working closely with community
organizations. Your letter of intent should offer a brief description of how you plan
to accomplish this and include any experience you have had working with the
public on art projects.
3. Mural Experience: To be considered for this project, you must have previous
mural experience, and be available to work in a collaborative environment during
the summer of 2024.
Selection Notification: May 2nd, 2024
This project is supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which
receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
This program is also supported by a grant from the Knight Foundation Donor-Advised Fund at
the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region.