Artist Proposal Application

Artist Proposal Application
Downtown Ferndale is launching an annual program to fund the creation of murals on public or private property. Each year will have a theme, and a committee will make selections to curate a diverse set of styles and artists. Murals can be a way to add character and personality to an urban environment, making it more interesting and unique. They can celebrate history, express the values of a community, and just make spaces more inviting to hang out in!
Deadline for Submissions: March 13 at midnight

Some program details are included below, but we encourage interested artists and property owners to visit our program website for more details:

https://downtownferndale.com/mural

Overview
In 2023, the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is launching the Downtown Ferndale Mural Program with the theme “You Belong Here.” This program comes with an opportunity for artists and businesses to collaborate with Downtown Ferndale and the Ferndale Arts & Cultural Commission to continue the celebration of creative energy within the community. Be a part of the legacy that continues to distinguish Ferndale.

Artist Eligibility

Artists are encouraged to submit a single design concept based on the 2023 theme “You Belong Here.” Artists do not need to reside in the City of Ferndale, but some preference may be given to local artists. The advisory committee shall seek work from artists of diverse racial, gender, and cultural identities. The program also shall strive for diversity to style, scale, media, and numbers of artists represented. Prior experience with outdoor murals may be considered by the committee but is not required.

This application is required to be considered for the program.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this submission with us, please contact the DDA staff at 248-546-1632 or by email at sommer@downtownferndale.com.

Artist Application Requirements

• Artist’s Introduction: A section that provides details about the artist(s) with a section to upload or write in an artist biography.

• Scope of Work: An artist statement including description of the mural, materials, overall time required to complete project, and an explanation of maintenance requirements.

• Letter of Interest: Provide details of how the proposed work fits within the Downtown Ferndale’s “You Belong Here!” theme and meets the selection criteria outlined for the program. Include a description of the submitted concept that gives deeper insight into the work through the artist’s perspective.

• Concept: Upload images/renderings of your proposed mural.

• Desired Size for Mural: Include minimum and maximum size that is preferred by the artist(s). Smaller murals are acceptable and welcome.

Art Selection Criteria
Factors to be considered by the Downtown Ferndale Mural Program Advisory Committee when making
selections for artwork shall include, but not be limited to the following: (final authorization will be made
by the DDA Executive Director)
• Artistic Quality: The artist(s) proposal includes a concept, vision and examples of
craftsmanship represented in existing artwork. Exploratory types of work as well as established art
forms shall be encouraged.
• Location: The mural concept and site are appropriate in scale, materials, form, and content for
the immediate, general, social, and physical environments with which they are to relate.
• Diversity: The advisory committee shall seek concepts from artists of diverse racial, gender, and
cultural identities. The program also shall strive for diversity to style, scale, media, and numbers of
artists represented.
• Feasibility: Proposals shall be evaluated relative to their feasibility and convincing evidence of
the artist’s ability to successfully complete the concept as proposed. Factors to be considered
include, but are not limited to, project, timeline, artist’s experience, and represent qualifications
associated to the theme.
• Duplication: Artists are required to warrant that artwork is their own original, unique design
and an edition of one or part of a limited edition, and to warrant artwork is not infringing on
copyrighted materials. Logos, advertisements, or any kind of commercial signage will not be
accepted.
• Permanence: Uses high quality materials that will last a minimum of five years, and are resistant
to weather and ultraviolet deterioration

Contact Information:

Name of person submitting application:

Is this person the same as the artist?

Yes

Provide artist name if different from the one submitting application:

Contact Person Daytime Phone

Contact Person Email

Artist website:

Artist Social Media Username(s):

Artist Introduction:

In this section, let us know a little bit about the artist and their experiences in creating artistic experiences. If this is a collaborative submission, the lead artist should complete this section and list names of all collaborators.

Upload Artist Biography

Click Here to Upload

Use this space for the artist biography. If you have already uploaded a biography please leave this blank

Is this a collaborative submission?

Yes

Names of Other Collaborative Partners (If project is a collaborative submission)

Check All That Apply to the Artist(s) that apply to all artists. IF this is a collaborative submission, please include all that apply within the collaborative.

Michigan resident (not required)

Ferndale resident (not required)

Detroit resident (not required)

Experience with outdoor murals and type of products proposed (not required)

Artist Gender Identity, Select All the Apply. IF this is a collaborative submission, please include all that apply within the collaborative. (This information is not required. Information provided will be used to ensure that a wide variety of artists are selected with the goal of amplifying a diverse range of creative voices.)

Woman

Man

Transgender

Cisgender

Non-binary/non-conforming/third gender

Gender fluid

Prefer not to respond

Prefer to self-describe

Fill in for self-describe

Artist Sexual Orientation Identity, Select All the Apply. IF this is a collaborative submission, please include all that apply within the collaborative. (This information is not required. Information provided will be used to ensure that a wide variety of artists are selected with the goal of amplifying a diverse range of creative voices.)

Straight/Heterosexual

Gay or Lesbian

Bisexual

Queer

Asexual

Prefer not to respond

Prefer to self-describe

Fill in for self-describe

Artist Racial Demographics, Select All the Apply. IF this is a collaborative submission, please include all that apply within the collaborative. (This information is not required. Information provided will be used to ensure that a wide variety of artists are selected with the goal of amplifying a diverse range of creative voices. Detail on each category can be found HERE.)

Select All the Apply.

American Indian or Alaskan Native

Asian

Black or African American

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

White

Some other race, ethnicity, or origin

Prefer not to respond

Prefer to self-describe

Fill in for self-describe

Scope of Work:

In this section, please provide an artist statement pertaining to the concept submitted. Including a description of the artwork, materials used, overall time required to complete project, an explanation of maintenance requirements and the size parameters for concept submitted.

Artist Statement Upload

Click Here to Upload

Artist Statement (Maximum of 200 words that will help the committee understand the inspiration and purpose of the proposed mural concept.) If you have already uploaded an Artist Statement please leave this blank

If the artist has a location in mind, contact us by email and list name of location below, to ensure they apply for program.

What materials will be used for this outdoor art mural

Explain the maintenance you anticipate this mural needing

In the event of graffiti or damage, are you willing to repair the mural?

Yes

How much time is needed to complete the work of art?

1-2 weeks

2-4 weeks

4-6 weeks

Unsure

If unsure please explain

Letter of Interest:

In this section, please provide details of how the proposed work fits within the Downtown Ferndale’s “You Belong Here!” theme and supports the mission of cultural diversity and equality. Include a description of the submitted concept that gives deeper insight into the artist’s work through their perspective, and themes addressed.

Letter of interest upload

Click Here to Upload

If you don't have an uploaded document, you can write in a letter of interest here. If you have already uploaded a letter of interest please leave this blank

Concept:

In this section, the images/rendering(s) of the proposed mural concept are uploaded.

By checking this box, you are confirming that the concept submitted was created by the artist named in this application and is not a replica or copy.

Yes

Does this concept have any notable significance to the community or milestone events from the community’s past?

Yes

Is this the first time this concept has been submitted for a mural in Ferndale, MI or another surrounding Community?

Yes

If yes, please explain:

What are the size limitations on this concept?

Please upload a maximum of three (3) images of the proposed mural concept. Images may be sketches or digitally created. Please indicate the desired scale or dimensions with any known limitations, and the minimum size that would be preferred for the proposed concept.

Click Here to Upload

Examples of Mural Experience:

In this section, provide examples of past work, including up to three digital images and or links to examples of relevant work. Please include the title, date, dimensions, and location of the work installed outdoors. (This information is not required.)

Example One:

Title of Mural

Link to media coverage, website, social media this example is viewable (if applicable)?

Is this example still available to see in person?

Yes

Example Two:

Title of Mural

Link to media coverage, website, social media this example is viewable (if applicable)?

Is this example still available to see in person?

Yes

Example Three:

Title of Mural

Link to media coverage, website, social media this example is viewable (if applicable)?

Is this example still available to see in person?

Yes

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this submission with us, please contact Sommer Realy at 248-546-1632 or by email at sommer@downtownferndale.com.