Mural Funding Opportunity

The Louisville Commission on Public Art invites submissions for large-scale mural installations throughout Louisville-Jefferson County Metro. This opportunity offers funding to activate publicly accessible spaces; increase community vibrancy; and provides space for artistic expression and public engagement. Proposals may be submitted by individual artists or artist teams. Proposals will be evaluated on artistic excellence as evidenced by submitted materials; professional experience; community value added; compatibility with the architectural design, facility environment, and mission and vision of the Commission on Public Art.

Selection Criteria

1. In alignment with the Commission on Public Art’s mission and vision, proposals should:
2. Not pose a health or safety hazard (including, but not limited to, trip hazards and driving distractions).
3. Not advertise a business, organization, political party, or person holding or seeking office in government.
4. Not be interpretable as advocating hate, violence, racism, sexism, bigotry, or obscenity.
5. Offer an enduring message, aesthetic, concept, or memorial, one that reflects on the moment in which it was produced but also on the history of the site where it is placed and the future into which it enters.
6. Cannot be interpreted as exclusive to or of any community.

The Commission on Public Art will review artists’ qualifications and proposals. Louisville Metro Government reserves the right to reject any or all applications, proposals, or projects, and to modify or terminate the application process or the selection process for any reason and without prior notice.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual artists or artist teams residing in the Greater Kentuckiana area. Individuals must be in good standing with any prior Louisville Metro grants, Louisville Revenue Commission, etc.

• Artist(s)/Artist Team(s) should have demonstrated experience completing public art projects with a similar budget and scope. 
• Project scope must include the application of a UV fade resistant and graffiti protective coating.
• Artists may only submit one proposal for either the flood wall project or community project category. 
• If more than one design is submitted, Metro will consider the first one received. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Site Specifications

Flood Wall Project:
Flood wall murals have become part of the landscape in dozens of river cities across the country, adding landmarks and attracting countless visitors. More than 7,000 feet of flood walls on both sides of the Ohio River in four states have been transformed by murals. Louisville will be installing a flood wall mural pilot project for installation on the 10th Street flood wall and MSD pump station. 

The site that was selected for the pilot project is significant in that it serves as an entryway to Waterfront Park Phase IV. This gateway will serve as a connecting point to the riverfront, recreation, and the community. Project designs and proposal should center around themes of connection across the natural environment, civic infrastructure, and social landscape.

View Flood Wall Project Site
 

Community Project(s)
A minimum of four (4) additional projects will be selected for funding.
Proposed sites must be accessible to the general public and designs may not advertise, promote, or endorse any business, organization, or event. The artist applicant is responsible for obtaining permission from the property owner and must confirming that any required permits can be obtained prior to submitting an application. Funding priority will be given to sites spread throughout the Louisville Metro Community as well as sites that currently do not have a high concentration of public artwork.
 

Budget

Flood Wall Project:
10th St flood wall mural: $115,000

Community Project(s):
Award amounts will vary based on the scale and scope of the project, not to exceed $20,000 per project.

The selected artist(s) or artist teams will be awarded a comprehensive contract. The artist will be responsible for artwork design, materials, installation, insurance, project documentation and reporting.

Project Timeline

• Application opens: July 24^th 
• Deadline to apply:  September 1^st  
• Proposals selected:  September 16^th    
• Installations:  September 30^th - October 31^st

 

Request for Proposals Application