Water Tower District Mural Request for Artist

The City of Oak Park in Oakland County, Michigan, is seeking a professional artist to create a large-scale public art mural for the Water Tower Social District, with a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued to transform a 250-foot-long by 8-foot-high brick wall in the Kingston Parking lots. The project aims to enhance community identity, support local businesses, and contribute to urban revitalization efforts by creating a vibrant and engaging public space. Proposals are due by September 5, 2025, with project award anticipated on September 15, 2025, and installation to be completed by December 31, 2025. The selection will be conducted by a committee comprising the ACDC commission, CIA Board, City Council, and City Staff, with final approval from the Mural Review Board. Evaluation criteria include the artist's ability to reflect project goals, experience with outdoor murals and public art, project budget, craftsmanship, and overall design quality. Artists must submit a detailed design narrative, itemized budget, timeline, resume, work samples, support description, and references. The mural must be suitable for public viewing of all ages and comply with the city's mural ordinances.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The project budget is set at a maximum of $100,000, which covers all expenses including the artist's fee, materials, design costs, travel, equipment, and installation. No incumbent vendors are mentioned in the documentation. The mural is part of a larger $2 million district transformation initiative that converts a previously light industrial area into a vibrant social district. The project involves multiple stakeholders, including the City of Oak Park, OPCIA, Oak Park Art, Cultural and Diversity Committee, Main Street Oakland County, and Oakland County. The proposed mural will serve as a centerpiece for a multi-functional public space that includes amenities such as movable seating, gaming areas, bike racks, string lighting, fire pits, and decorative crosswalks. The initiative has already attracted significant business investment, with over $2 million invested by adjacent businesses through renovations and improvements, demonstrating a commitment to transforming the area into a dynamic, culturally rich neighborhood destination.