Now accepting applications for our 2024 mural project!
2023 Muralist Elisa Del Giudice paints at the YMCA
Applications open until September 5th, 2024. Read on to learn more.
The Olympia Artspace Alliance (OAA) and the City of Olympia Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) are funding the design and installation of two new murals in downtown Olympia. The 2024 mural program will provide a $6500 stipend for selected projects. This opportunity is open to all artists and artist teams in Thurston County.
Please read on for full instructions on how to apply. You can also download a copy of our application instructions here.
If you would like a physical copy of this application, we can provide a paper application upon request. Email the Mural Project Manager Erika at storefronts@olympiaartspace.org.
Applications due September 3rd, 2024 - One application per artist or artist team.
Full timeline:
Application opens August 12, 2024
FAQ session for your questions: August 22nd at 1pm (zoom information below)
Deadline to submit proposals: September 3rd, 2024 by 9pm
Notification: September 9th, 2024
Installation: September-October, 2024 (weather dependent)
Completed installations in place: November, 2024 (please be open to flexibility)
About the Project
The Olympia Artspace Alliance (OAA) and the City of Olympia Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) are collaborating to fund the concept, design, and installment of two new murals in Downtown Olympia. This project will award two murals at $6500 each (for teams or individuals). If you are interested in designing and installing a mural downtown, we encourage you to read on and apply!
About Project Partners:
Olympia Artspace Alliance (OAA) is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization established in 2011 to preserve, develop, and advocate for affordable live, work, and exhibition space for artists. We are committed to creating compensated opportunities for artists in the greater Olympia area.
The Parking & Business Improvement Area (PBIA) is a business improvement district in downtown Olympia that develops an annual recommendation for the City Council about how to invest the PBIA Fund. The PBIA board is made up of elected business owners from the downtown core, who work with city staff to make their work plan a reality in our downtown.
Project Goals
Create paid opportunities for established and emerging artists to share and develop their work
Provide mentorship and support during the development process
Create new community partnerships in downtown
Increase public access to professional art
Encourage creative activity throughout our community
Budget
This project will award two murals at $6500 each, which includes all artists’/artists’ team fees, usage fees, labor and equipment to design and produce artwork, artwork installation, materials, and travel costs, including ground transportation. Artists will receive $3250 at the start of their work, and $3250 upon completion. Artists are responsible for keeping all receipts and for documenting their work (in both writing and in images) - this project is funded with public funds and your receipts may be requested.
Project Timeline
The projected artwork installation will take place during Summer/Fall 2024, exact dates to be determined. These dates are subject to change and we hope the artist will be flexible in working with our volunteer board.
Eligibility
Any artist or team of artists interested in creating two-dimensional designs to be completed in 2024 may submit their applications for consideration. Please note: digital media is required to support your online application. Preference will be given to artists living in the South Puget Sound.
If you have a mural site in mind, please let us know! We prioritize opportunities for BIPOC artists in our community. Content must be suitable for the general public. No profanity or explicit sexual or violent imagery will be accepted.
Building Locations
We are currently in conversation with different downtown building owners about collaborating on murals. We will have more information to share about the locations during our Information Session on August 22nd at 1pm. (Zoom link below). This meeting will be recorded, so don’t worry if you can’t make it!
Submitting your Proposal/How to apply
Online applications are due by 9PM PST on September 3rd, 2024. Digital format responses will be accepted via this Mural Application. We ask that you visit the sites before submitting your proposal. This will enhance your understanding of the locations and their scale.
In addition to filling out our online application form, please email the Storefronts Manager (storefronts@olympiaartspace.org) the following application materials:
Three (3) images of your artwork (JPG, PNG, or PDF formats) or previous mural work.
Your proposal will be reviewed and evaluated based on the following criteria:
A fully developed concept, including sketch renderings, size, and description of materials
A preferred location- we will provide you with a list of available locations. Many walls in our downtown will require conversations and permissions from businesses/building owners that will be required as a final step of the selection process. We are open to your ideas!
Integration of design themes aligned with your previous work mural examples (i.e., color scheme, messaging, design layout, etc.).
Quality of skills and the ability to develop a unique and creative mural design.
Willingness to consult and work collaboratively with the Project Partners to successfully meet any site requirements, schedules, and deadlines.
Potential to successfully complete the project within the required time.
Professional References—Applicants should list and provide contact information for at least two (2) references to contact for similar work performed.
Any sustainable or “green” practices and qualities of your materials
Overall professionalism and presentation of ideas and application materials
Adherence to the budget of $6500
Conditions
Selected artists or (or artist teams) will receive $6500 in two installments
Contracts with selected artists will grant the property owner, PBIA, city of Olympia, and OAA the right to reproduce and distribute images of the artwork in connection with marketing purposes
Participation in this project is done at the artist’s own risk. Property owner, PBIA and OAA will not be held responsible for loss, theft or damage, including breakage, of displayed work.
Artists will be expected to comply with OAA safety protocols.
Artists, and their volunteers, are responsible for installing the work. OAA Storefront Manager and Board Members will be available for some assistance if necessary.
You do not need to have a business license or business insurance to apply for this opportunity, but please note that this work will incur a 1099 and you will be responsible for all taxes and fees.
Non Discrimination
Olympia Artspace Alliance does not discriminate on the grounds of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or the presence of any disability.
Questions? Please call or email Mural Project Manager Erika Naficy.
Erika’s Contact: storefronts@olympiaartspace.org
Information session
We held an information session for artists who are interested in this project will be provided virtually via Zoom on August 22nd at 1pm.
If you missed the session we recorded it for you. You can watch the video on vimeo here. You can also email us directly with questions. Get in touch with Erika, our project manager. Erika’s email is: storefronts@olympiaartspace.org
Ready to apply?
Online applications are due by 9PM PST on September 3rd, 2024. Digital format responses will be accepted via this Mural Application.
In addition to filling out our online application form, please email the Storefronts Manager (storefronts@olympiaartspace.org) the following application materials:
Three (3) images of your artwork (JPG, PNG, or PDF formats) or previous mural work.
You can also download a copy of our application instructions here.
Questions? Please call or email Mural Project Manager Erika Naficy.
Erika’s Contact: storefronts@olympiaartspace.org