Project Name

Redwood City “Women of the Future” Mural

Summary

A “Women of the Future” mural in Redwood City which addresses the topic of women’s empowerment.

Purpose

To select three artists who will proceed to the RFP process (Request for Proposals)

Issued:

04/01/2023

Contact

jnewblanc@redwoodcity.org

Entry Deadline

04/16/23

Participants will be notified by 4/24/23 as to whether they have been selected or not.

Project Overview

We are seeking a talented California artist to paint a full coverage mural which addresses the forward thinking theme of “women’s empowerment”.  The selected artwork should convey strength & energy and should inspire viewers.
From this RFQ, three artists will be selected and be paid a stipend to develop 1-3 concepts/renderings.  One of those artists/renderings will then be selected as the finalist to paint the mural.

The selected artist will be given as much creative freedom as possible but also needs to be open to working with us on site specific design challenges.

Budget

Three selected artists will receive a $500 stipend for their proposals
The finalist will receive a $15000 artist fee to cover design, materials, & installation

Location

The location of the mural is on the back wall of Zareen’s restaurant, at 2039 Broadway, Redwood City. The site is a large, bare, highly visible wall that faces the parking lot located near Redwood City’s City Hall.  The painted masonry brick wall is approximately 50’x25’ (1250 sq ft) with a single central doorway that serves as a back entrance to the restaurant, and two small windows.  The wall is steps away from the Sequoia Alley youth mural project, the mural on Rock’n’Wraps, and is 100 yards from several other downtown public art pieces.  Technically, there is no parking in front of this wall, but delivery drivers often stop there for pickups.

Eligibility

• Must have five years of professional experience as a working artist
• Must be legally able to work in the United States
• California resident.  Travel expenses are the responsibility of the artist
• Redwood City council, staff, and their relatives and family members are ineligible
• Redwood City does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, economic status, or gender identity

Evaluation Criteria

The selection committee will use the following criteria to evaluate eligible artists:

• Artistic excellence of past work
• Quality, creativity, uniqueness
• Ability to communicate through art
• Artistic style, in relation to the theme
• Personal connection to the theme
• Proven ability to execute in the public space
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Willingness to collaborate with city and stakeholders

Submissions

All submissions must be electronic.  Send the following documents in a single PDF file to jnewblanc@redwoodcity.org

•  A letter of interest outlining your approach to public art, your interest in this specific project, possible aesthetic directions, or narratives, what you bring to the project as an artist, experience with other projects of similar scope, sources of inspiration presented by the project, any other comments that might help differentiate you as a candidate.  Include your name, address, phone number, email, and any websites or social media accounts directly related to your artwork.  Not to exceed one page.
• A professional resume/CV.  Not to exceed three pages.
• A link to an online portfolio and/or specific images of past works.  If submitting images, eight images maximum, with a brief description for each project including the title, size, and artists intent.
• Professional references: Contact information for at least three professional references from past projects with contact information

Timeline

• 04/16/23 – RFQ submission deadline
• 04/24/23 – Finalists notified via email
• 05/28/23 – RFP submission deadline (proposals due from selected artists)
• 07/08/23 – Earliest possible start date, though it may be later, installation timeline is flexible