Request for Artist Qualifications: Parking Garage Public Mural (City of Oxford)

The City of Oxford, Ohio, in collaboration with the Public Arts Commission of Oxford (PACO), is soliciting artist qualifications to design and install a mural on the Oxford Municipal Parking Garage. This call for art aims to select an artist responsible for implementing a vibrant and engaging mural that enhances the community’s character.

All proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of PACO members and project stakeholders. The committee will then recommend up to three finalists to further develop their design concepts. There may be a public info session for input on the final design. A final artist will be selected for implementation based on their qualifications, vision, and ability to execute the project.

The City of Oxford established the Public Arts Commission of Oxford (PACO) to promote and facilitate public art projects that contribute to the city’s cultural landscape. PACO is comprised of community volunteers appointed by the City Council. It works to implement public art initiatives and identify funding sources to support artistic endeavors.

Oxford’s 2023 Comprehensive Plan includes objectives to “promote parks, arts, and culture throughout the community” and an action item to “encourage creative placemaking for a more engaging community and visitor experience.” This project aligns with these goals by integrating public art into a prominent uptown location, creating an inspiring and inviting environment.

We encourage artists to review the Comprehensive Plan and develop a concept that aligns with the City’s vision for public art. The mural should appeal to a broad audience and be family-friendly. The selected muralist will work with a city representative to apply for and obtain a building permit and certificate of appropriateness from the Historic & Architectural Preservation Commission.

Location: Oxford Municipal Parking Garage at 6 West Walnut Street, corner location facing Main and High Street.

Mural Details & Dimensions: The City of Oxford prefers that this mural be installed on a panel system adhered to the brick surface. This system should have at least a 10-plus-year lifespan, but be removable. The area available for the mural is shown in the photo below. The artist may decide how much of the area to utilize and should provide that in the submission.

 

– RFQ Issued: May 7th, 2025

– Submission Deadline: July 10th, 2025

– Review of Qualifications & Top 3 Finalist Selection: July 14th, 2025

– Finalist Concept Deadline: August 8th, 2025

– Final Artist Selection: August 11th, 2025

– Mural Completion: By the end of 2025

– Open to artists and designers aged 18 and older.

– Artists from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

– Experience with large-scale mural projects is preferred but not required.

1. PACO and project stakeholders will review the submitted qualifications.

2. Three (3) finalists will be selected to create a detailed design proposal.

3. Finalists will be paid $200 each for their design proposal.

4. The selection committee will choose a final artist or may request revisions before final selection.

5. The selected artist will collaborate with the city to finalize the implementation plan and timeline.

6. The artist will enter into an agreement with the City of Oxford.

Project Budget: The selected artist will be compensated at a rate of $20 to $40 per square foot of mural space. This payment must cover all materials, equipment, and labor costs associated with the mural installation, including but not limited to: wall preparation, lifts, scaffolding, payroll, art supplies, and travel expenses. The City of Oxford will coordinate the right-of-way and waive fees associated with that.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS FOR RFQ

1. Past Experience:

– Describe your experience as an artist, including relevant training and public art projects.

– Provide a list and 1-3 examples of past public art projects completed within the last five years.

2. Current Resume/CV:

3. Include at least one reference letter relevant to your creative work experience.

4. Design Concept (Preliminary):

– Submit a simple black-and-white sketch (line work only) suggesting your proposed design concept. Include a photo of the parking garage with an overlay showing what available areas your mural would utilize and what the square footage of the mural would be.

– Provide a 50-100 word description explaining the theme and inspiration behind your concept.

– Tell us what material and what system you would use to install the mural.

– Please note: Highly developed or full-color designs will not be accepted at this stage.

Submissions may be sent via email or delivered in person:

– Email: Jessica Greene – JGreene@cityofoxford.org

– Mail/Drop-off: City of Oxford Municipal Building Attention: Jessica Greene

15 S. College Avenue, Oxford, OH 45056

Submission Deadline: July 10th, 2025, by 5:00 PM.

If the selection committee agrees on three finalists, they will be notified after the selection review on July 14th. The finalists will have until August 8th to submit their final design. Each finalist will be compensated with $200 for their final design.

The City of Oxford reserves the right to cancel or reissue this RFQ at any time and to select or reject any applicant based on the city’s best interests.