Water Tower Mural RFP.pdf

Request for Proposal/Qualifications

City of Oak Park

Water Tower District Mural

Request for Artist

August 5, 2025

City of Oak Park/Water Tower Social District Mural: Request for Artist

Introduction:

The City of Oak Park is interested in installing public art within the Water Tower Social District, that provides a fun and vibrant backdrop for the residents and visiting guests and provides an opportunity to create an even more engaging backdrop for our growing calendar of community activities in this area. This mural will mark Oak Park’s largest public art endeavor, representing a unique and powerful chance to foster engagement and enhance community connections.

The City of Oak Park is located on the southern border of Oakland County and has a population of nearly 30,000 residents. The City takes pride in its diverse community and embraces all of the cultures celebrated within its borders. The City has been on the rise and is gaining momentum through all the strategic revitalization efforts happening over the past 10 years. The Water Tower district has also seen monumental changes in the past 8 years. Oak Park has converted this once-dormant light manufacturing area into the dynamic district, a burgeoning center where micro-businesses, events, and cultural amenities thrive, all while celebrating the cherished community spirit of the city. Since 2018, the area has attracted considerable business investment, and its significant potential became undeniable, leading to the formalization of comprehensive improvement plans in 2023. The Water Tower District has seen millions in investment from adjacent businesses through their significant renovations and building improvements.

Project Site: The Water Tower District sits at the northern edge of Oak Park, south of 11 Mile between Greenfield and Coolidge. The City of Berkley is located directly on the opposite side of 11 Mile. directly across the street. This area proudly hosts Oak Park’s official social district, one of only sixteen in Oakland County. Renovations have begun within the district parking lots that will allow it to become a central community hub, offering an ideal and enjoyable setting for the city’s diverse local events and the social district experience for residents and customers. Over the past 3 years, this commercial area has evolved into a cornerstone venue for community gatherings, and with the renovations will bridge the gap between the commercial and residential areas.

Mural Location and Site Specifics: The mural will be located on the north-facing facing backwall that frames in the Kingston Parking lots, located at 14700 Kingston St.

The lots sit between Tulare and Gardner – behind the businesses located on 11 Mile.

The wall is composed of brick and mortar and has 4 sections, separated by a seating area and a main residential road (see image below). The proposed mural must encompass the majority of the indicated wall. The available space for the mural is approximately 250 ft long x 8 ft high.

Please note, currently there is no landscaping along the wall section that contains the mural. Upon advanced request, the City can provide barricades to restrict public access to the site area. The City will not provide any further supplies, tools, or equipment. The Artist will be responsible for providing all necessary supplies, tools, or equipment needed to complete the proposed project.

Vision for Project: The mural should transform a utilitarian area into a welcome gathering spot for all, that deepens the sense of place and community identity. It should create an inviting atmosphere that drives foot traffic and supports our local businesses.

The mural should integrate the social district into the neighborhood, making it feel like a natural extension of our community instead of a separate commercial zone. The artist should keep in mind the City’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The mural must be suitable and acceptable for public viewing of all ages and must reflect positively on the community.

Budget Description: The maximum project budget available is $100,000. This is inclusive of all fees and expenses, including but not limited to the artist’s fee, materials, design costs, travel costs, equipment, installation of the artwork, and any other associated costs.

Selection Process A committee comprised of members from the ACDC commission, CIA Board, City Council and City Staff review submissions and make a recommendation to City Council regarding the selected mural. The final selection will be decided by City Council and require final approval from the Mural Review Board, who will review the mural to ensure it is in compliance with the City code of ordinances. For reference, City code of ordinances defines a mural as “a design or representation which does not contain promotional or commercial advertising painted or drawn on a wall.” If the mural design contains the words "City of Oak Park," then it must encompass less than 25% of the total design space to avoid being considered signage.

The selected artist will be responsible for overseeing the design and installation (in coordination with City staff) of the mural and is expected to work cooperatively with the project stakeholders, city staff, and consultants.

Proposals must be within the project budget and timeframe. The evaluation of the proposal will be based on the following criteria:

1. Success in reflecting the project goals

2. Artist’s experience: a. Creating permanent, durable, outdoor murals using materials appropriate to the environment

b. Creating public artwork in cooperation with city agencies and multiple stakeholders

c. Accomplishing projects of similar complexity with the budget, timeline, and constraints

3. Project budget

4. Demonstration of craftsmanship

5. Overall design of mural

Installation must be completed by December 31, 2025

Application Requirements

• Detailed design and narrative illustrating the mural concept. Must include colors, dimensions, proposed materials, requirements for maintenance. Narrative must include artistic intent, explanation of the proposed exhibit, rendering, and how it meets the criteria listed above.

• Itemized budget

• Detailed timeline

• Resume: (Maximum 2 pages) Outline your recent experience and accomplishments as an artist. If applying as a team, each member may submit a separate one-page resume. Resume must include: • Samples of your work - a maximum of ten (10) files: digital images and video files are all acceptable with corresponding titles to match the Support Description list (below).

• Support Description list: (Maximum 2 pages) For each image/file submitted, include relevant project information. For example, list the title, date, size, and medium for studio work. For public art projects include a description, location, materials, budget, and commissioning organization.

• References: Provide at least three references who are familiar with your work as a professional artist. Include names and contact information only.

How to Apply:

The entire proposal must be submitted by September 5, 2025. Project will be awarded September 15, 2025. Applicants may submit one or multiple works of art for consideration.

They may be submitted electronically to: mbishop@oakparkmi.gov or may be dropped off or mailed to Municipal Services, addressed to:

City of Oak Park c/o Michelle Bishop, Oak Park Corridor Improvement Authority 14300 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, MI 48237

All listed application requirements must be met or the application will not be considered.

For Questions, Please Contact:

Michelle Bishop, Oak Park Corridor Improvement Authority Manager at mbishop@oakparkmi.gov or 248-691-2350.