The Downtown Development Association (DDA) alongside the University of North Dakota (UND) are working together to beautify downtown and promote the exceptional people, places, and things that make up our thriving region through the creation of one to two murals. The project should result in public artwork that lasts for years and create a landmark for those who live here and visitors alike.

PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS & CONSIDERATIONS

This project will showcase Grand Forks with a focus on local attractions and images. Project must include imagery that weaves in elements of UND alongside other community themes. Examples provided below.

This project will be done under the oversight of the DDA and its consultants and will be housed under the DDA insurance and will follow all Grand Forks City Mural Ordinance Regulations and Requirements. DDA consultant will assist on implementation of project from start to finish.

https://library.municode.com/nd/grand_forks/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=GRFOCO1987 _CHXVIIILADECO_ART3RURE_18-0301SI

Characteristics should include:

• A unique, appealing, and memorable art design that weaves in elements of life in Grand Forks, UND pride, and Grand Forks Air Force Base imagery

• A design(s) that complements existing themes and palettes, and has local relevance

• Materials that are durable and resistant to vandalism and are appropriate for the space

SELECTION PROCESS

The submission materials listed below will be reviewed by a committee that may include representation from UND, Downtown Development Association (DDA), mural consultant, and building owners among others. Selections will be made based on the quality and organization of presented materials, portfolio of previous work, resume of current artist (and any applicable help), art design, and the overall project approach.

SUBMISSION MATERIALS

1. Letter of intent from the artist, including contact information, that describes your interest in the project, how it relates to your body of work, the approach you envision, and the team you will form to complete it.

2. A brief concept proposal that describes your ideas for the mural; sketches are required.

3. Resumes of the lead artist/designer and core team members; include narrative describing the role(s) of team members.

4. Portfolio showcasing past projects/artwork. Include relevant information as to how they relate to the proposed mural: similarities in material, scale, site, etc.

5. Budget – a corresponding budget to include the artist’s desired fee, estimated materials costs, and any travel costs (if necessary)

BUDGET

Up to $10,000 including materials has been budgeted for this project. The option for one detailed, larger scale approximately 15’(h) by 22’(w) and one smaller, simpler design scale approximately 10’ (h)x18’ (w) is possible for a budget, including supplies, for two projects up to $15,000. Locations are included below. The successful artist/team is responsible for all costs associated with design, research, engineering, materials, fabrication, shipping/transportation, installation, taxes, insurance, and any other costs necessary to complete the project. City permit and code requirements will apply.

PAYMENT

If an artist’s design is selected for a mural site, the artist will work in partnership with DDA staff, and the mural consultant to identify materials needed. Materials will be purchased by the DDA. The remainder of the payment will be given upon project completion.

TIMELINE

May 19, 2022 Call for artists/RFP issued

June 9, 2022 Deadline for concept proposals

June 16, 2022 Finalist notified

July 2022 Project begins

September 2022 Mural complete

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. The deadline for submission of concept proposals is 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2022.

2. Please direct inquiries to:
   Downtown Development Association
   Jill Proctor - jill@gfdda.com
   23 N. Third Street, Suite 2, Grand Forks, ND 58203
   p. 701-757-4051 | c. 701-741-5085

3. Submissions can be sent via postal mail, email or dropped off to the contact information listed above.

4. The DDA reserves the right to waive irregularities, to reject any or all submissions, to re-solicit submissions, and to negotiate with selected respondents if such action is deemed to be in the City’s best interests. The DDA retains the right to negotiate modifications to all submissions.

5. Mural developed pursuant to this request will be owned by the building owner.

6. No board member or employee of the DDA shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in any resultant contract or the proceeds thereof.

Main Mural Location - Old Towne Building located at Town Square 1 S 3rd St, Downtown GF approx. 15’x22’

Location for potential second mural depending on budget - Old Fellows Building (Urban Stampede) Pillsbury Park Kittson Ave approx. 10’x18’

Examples for project at main mural location:

Example for potential second mural if budget permits