Request for Proposals: Public Mural for Masonic Building Interior

Masonic Arts Theatre Innovation (MÄTI) / MÄTI Square Shops
Public Mural Project for Building Interior

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Deadline: May 4, 2022

1. ART OPPORTUNITY

Overview
Masonic Arts Theatre & Innovation (MÄTI) seeks artists to design and execute large wall murals for the interior of the MÄTI Square Shops building in downtown Marquette, Michigan. Each mural should focus on local landmarks that would be of interest to both residents and visitors. 

Goals

• • Provide a creative space for local emerging and professional artists to engage with MÄTI, showcase their talent to visitors and residents, and have a potential ongoing source of income 
  • Promote economic development within the Shops by drawing visitors into the building to showcase the arts, entertainment, and other local businesses located within the building. 
  • Celebrate the rebranding of the building to an “arts hub” 

Theme
Each mural should be created around your chosen or assigned area landmark. The list at the end of this RFP is not meant to be exhaustive, but just an informational point of the types of locations considered. The mural should be painted in a professional way, family appropriate, and completely finished. The painting style, color palette, and exact content is up to the design of the artist. 

2. ELIGIBILITY

Open to all emerging and professional artists in Marquette County

3. BUDGET

• • MÄTI will provide materials needed, including paint, brushes, and drop cloths
  • Designing/lead artists will be paid $100 per mural. Artists will also be permitted to advertise their Venmo, PayPal, and other payment applications on mural signage for public tips & payment.

4. TIMELINE

April 6                          Call for Proposals Starts
April 22, 6 PM            Q&A Walkthrough Session with Interested Artists
May 4, 5 PM                Proposal Submissions Due
May 6                            Proposals Reviewed by ArtsMÄTI
May 9-11                       Applicants Notified
May 18-June 15           Building open for mural work
June 15                          Mural Completion Deadline
June 22, 6 PM              Opening Reception

5. SELECTION PROCESS

The arts branch of MÄTI, ArtsMÄTI, will review each submitted proposal and application. They will evaluate each submission and either select 10 artists based on preliminary submission materials, interview short-listed applications, or seek more detailed proposals. 

Selection criteria may include, but are not limited to: artistic merit as evidenced by submitted materials, logical “fit” in the selected space, recognizability of the landmark, the applicant’s professional qualifications, proven ability to undertake projects of a similar scope.

6. APPLICATION CONTENT

• Completion of online artist application: https://forms.gle/HkPisiukvsnrxRTq6
  • Mockup of mural design in PDF or JPG format (you may sketch, use computer program, paint, etc)
  • Recommended: Inclusion of 3 images of additional artwork to show your style

Questions? Contact MÄTI Arts - arts@matimqt.org

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Local Landmark Ideas

• Presque Isle - Black Rocks
• Presque Isle - Sunset Point
• McCarty’s Cove/Marquette Lighthouse
• City-wide events - Ore to Shore, Blues Fest, Tall Ships, etc.
• Wetmore Landing
• Superior Dome
• Harlow’s Wooden Man
• Father Marquette Statue
• St. Peter Cathedral