DPW Building Exterior Wall Art

The City of Pleasant Ridge, located in Oakland County, Michigan, is seeking proposals from artists or artist teams to design, create, and install public art on the exterior wall of a Department of Public Works (DPW) building in Gainsboro Park. The project involves creating a mural or wall art covering approximately 1,500 sq. ft. on a west-facing wall measuring 15 x 100 feet. The primary objectives are to enhance the visual appeal of the DPW building, promote civic pride, and foster cultural appreciation within the community. Proposal submissions must include a comprehensive package comprising a cover letter, artist statement, concept proposal with sketches/renderings, resume/CV, portfolio, budget breakdown, and project timeline. The Pleasant Ridge Arts Council will evaluate submissions based on artistic quality, originality, relevance to city culture, feasibility, execution plan, public art experience, community engagement approach, and cost-effectiveness. Electronic proposals must be submitted by noon on September 12, 2025, to citymanager@cityofpleasantridge.org, with questions accepted via email until August 27, 2025. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and select the submission most beneficial to the city.

The procurement appears open to artists and artist teams nationwide without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. The project has a total budget of $35,000, which is expected to cover all project-related expenses, including design, creation, and installation of the artwork. The selected artwork will become the property of the City of Pleasant Ridge upon completion and must be appropriate for public display. The artwork will be primarily viewed by park visitors walking and biking along the main pathway, emphasizing the importance of creating a piece that resonates with the community's aesthetic and cultural values. The project is sponsored by the Pleasant Ridge Arts Council and aligns with the city's commitment to beautification and community engagement through public art. No incumbent vendors or existing technological infrastructure integration requirements were specified in the documentation. Artists interested in this opportunity should carefully review the full request for proposals and ensure their submissions meet all specified criteria and expectations.