Historically Black Public Mural Commission RFQ

Location: National
Type: Call for Submissions
Categories:
Public Art

Deadline: 03/10/2025

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RONDO NEIGHBORHOOD BACKGROUND
Gaining our name (Rondo CLT) from St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood, our origins and ethos are tethered to the widespread impacts of our communities’ mass displacement following the construction of I-94 from St. Paul to Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Rondo neighborhood was a thriving and predominantly African American community in the mid-20th century, known for its cultural vibrancy, tight-knit relationships, and flourishing businesses. The Rondo neighborhood was a place where Black families and individuals could find relative stability, cultural connection, and opportunity during a time when systemic racism limited housing and economic options elsewhere in the Twin Cities.

The construction of interstate highway 94, beginning in the late 1950’s and cut the Rondo neighborhood in half lengthwise, east to west. I-94 resulted in the destruction of over 700 homes and 300 businesses in the Rondo neighborhood. Families were forcibly displaced, often receiving inadequate compensation for their properties. Dozens of commercial establishments that once thrived in the Rondo neighborhood hadn’t survived the freeway construction and is a big reason as to why organizations like Rondo CLT exist. Despite this injustice and many more like it (Memphis V. Greene – African American citizens objected to an interstate highway that was to be placed between Black and White neighborhoods). Rondo alumni often report that growing up in Rondo was in some ways wonderful – that the result of being forced together was a self-contained, self-sustaining, tight-knit community where people worked hard, fought injustice and looked out for each other. The Rondo neighborhood’s history is a poignant reminder of the deep injustices Black communities have faced and their resilience in the face of systemic harm. It also serves as a call to action for more equitable city planning and reparative justice. To view images of the historical Rondo Neighborhood and the placement of Interstate I94 visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rondo_neighborhood

HISTORICALLY BLACK
The Rondo Community Land Trust (CLT) and the Office of Cultural Work (OCW) are committed to ensuring that this project is deeply rooted in authenticity and historical context by exclusively seeking historically Black artists. A “historically Black artist” is defined as a Black individual who is a descendant of African people kidnapped and subjected to chattel enslavement in the Americas. This ancestry-based eligibility criterion underscores the importance of selecting artists who embody a direct connection to the history and culture being celebrated, amplifying the voices of those whose stories resonate with the Rondo community’s past and present. The mural will not only serve as a vibrant artistic expression but also as a means of storytelling and healing, fostering a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Office of Cultural Work (OCW) is an arts management consultant based in St. Paul, Minnesota. As a partner to artists, community-centered nonprofits, and aligned housing developers, OCW provides essential support to lift up and embrace the power of culture building. In collaboration with the Rondo Community Land Trust (Rondo CLT), OCW aims to bring murals and community engagement to the Selby Avenue corridor, paying tribute to the Rondo community’s enduring legacy. Through the lens of Black history and experiences, these projects will honor the resilience, creativity, and contributions that define Rondo’s rich African American heritage. OCW seeks artists to honor the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Rondo’s history, creating a lasting tribute to its cultural legacy.

The OCW team will be facilitating the curation and commissioning process of one exterior mural on the Rondo Community Land Trust building at 1041 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55104. The goal of the selection process is to engage a historically Black artist or artist team with a strong background in public art and community engagement. OCW and Rondo CLT aim to create work that authentically represents the cultural pride, historical significance, and aspirations of Rondo’s residents. This process will include public engagement to ensure the mural reflects the collective spirit of the community and implementation of the final artwork, transforming Selby Avenue into a living gallery that celebrates the heart and soul of Rondo.

BUDGET
$75,000
This not-to-exceed fee covers artist time, materials, community engagement, installation, and any required engineering and/or other costs associated with the project. The $70,000 budget does not include the travel stipend, which will be provided as an additional amount to cover artists’ travel and boarding expenses.

TRAVEL STIPEND
A separate travel stipend is included, covering room and board, and is not part of the RFQ amount.
This not-to-exceed fee covers any travel and boarding costs associated with the project.

ELIGIBILITY
This RFQ is open to established / late career artists or artist teams who live within the geographical boundaries of the United States.
What is an established/late career artist? Established artists are recognized by their peers and arts professionals nationally or internationally, have produced an independent body of work and have a record of commissions, projects, or exhibitions.

Applicants must be 18 years or older and have proven experience with public art and public engagement. The OCW and Rondo CLT team will select artists without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity; familial, marital status, or pregnancy; guide dog or support animal; race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin; gender, age; handicap or disability; possession of GED.

ARTWORK SITE
The artwork will be installed on the east side of the building facing the parking lot, as indicated by the red outlines of the image titled “artwork site” below. Additionally, refer to the “artwork site size” photo below for accurate installation area dimensions with considerations of additional wall pipes. The artwork will be permanent and should be directly painted onto the surface of the building. The Rondo CLT and OCW team is strictly open to 2D mediums, with all pieces painted within the zone indicated within the red outlines of the “artwork site” image below. Any additional engineering fees related to the artist’s chosen medium will be the artist’s responsibility. Further details for both installation areas are provided below.

VIRTUAL SITE VISIT AND Q & A
A site visit to learn about the art installation areas for the Rondo Community Land Trust building will be held the week of March 7th, at 12:00pm CT via zoom. Attendance is encouraged. We encourage all attending artists or artist teams to come prepared with questions about the RFQ, site-related details, installation parameters or any other project considerations

SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA
Submissions will be pre-screened to ensure all applicants meet eligibility requirements. The Rondo CLT and OCW team will review eligible applications as part of Phase 1 and select a group of up to three finalists or finalist teams to develop one design proposal that includes graphic ideas for the proposed artwork, a brief project narrative, a plan for engaging the community around the design concepts, a budget, a timeline, and a proposed approach to project maintenance. Each artist or team will receive a stipend of $1,000 to cover costs associated with the Phase 2 concept design and virtual interviews. Further information will be provided to the finalists. Finalists will have approximately three to four weeks to prepare preliminary design concepts. Upon completion of virtual presentations, one artist or team will be commissioned to design, create, and install artworks. Up to three Finalist will be selected based on the following criteria:
Letter of Interest: The quality, clarity, thoughtfulness, and alignment with the project’s background expressed in the artist’s letter of interest.

Portfolio Work Samples: Evaluation of the artist’s portfolio to assess the technical skill, innovation, and aesthetic appeal of their previous work. Do the work samples demonstrate the artist’s professional experience working on public art projects of a similar scope and commission?

Community Engagement Approach: The artist should have a thoughtful and effective approach to community engagement that will inform their design process, while ensuring the project reflects the voices, experiences and history of the communities that occupy the area.

Management and Execution Capability: This focuses on the artist’s practical ability to deliver the project, including their professional experience, organizational skills, access to necessary resources, and past success in completing similar projects on time and within budget. It’s about assessing their overall capacity to handle the scope and logistics of the commission. This should be written into the artist’s letter of interest.

PHASE 2: DESIGN CONCEPTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

A design concept that embodies a welcoming into Rondo and honoring of the Historic Black community as a theme which is approachable, fostering a sense of inclusivity, belonging and accessibility for both visitors and residents.
An artwork that considers the context of the Rondo Community Land Trust mission and its connection to the Rondo neighborhood.
An artwork that highlights, honors and reflects the unique character of the Historic Rondo neighborhood, Black experiences and African American heritage.
An artwork that captivates attention and sparks ongoing interest for the Rondo neighborhood’s future, with the spirit of Sankofa.
An artwork that establishes a tangible connection between the building, public space and the Selby Avenue corridor, ensuring cohesion and avoiding visual clutter.
An artwork that serves as a catalyst for community identity, potentially becoming a cherished neighborhood landmark and photo opportunity.
An artwork that is impactful and requires minimal upkeep to ensure long-term enjoyment and preservation.

TIMELINE

February 5th, 2025: Artist call opens
The week of March 7th, 2025: Virtual Site visit and Q & A via zoom at 12pm CT.
March 10th, 2025: Artist call closes, at 11:59 pm CT.
Week of March 10th, 2025: Rondo CLT and OCW team will review submissions and vote on three finalists to proceed to the next round of selection. Finalists selected will present one design proposal. Finalists will receive a $1,000 stipend each.
Week of March 24th, 2025: Top Three Finalists Notified via email. Finalists are given 3-4 weeks for concept development. Remaining applicants contacted via email the following week.
March 17th – April 4th, 2025: Artists prepare final presentations
Week of April 7th, 2025: Finalists virtually present design concepts (20 minute presentations + Q&A).
April 14th, 2025: Artist awardee notified and all other finalists notified
The week of July 7th, 2025: Mural Completed
Disclaimer: The timeline provided is contingent upon the number of submissions received for the artist call. Any adjustments to the timeline may occur based on the volume of submissions and the subsequent review process. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility in this matter.

HOW TO SUBMIT
Individuals or teams are asked to submit the following below materials, combined into a single PDF document to the Rondo CLT and OCW team at: office@officeofculturalwork.org.
1. Letter of Interest: Submit a letter expressing your interest in the project, outlining your design approach and connection to historical Black communities. Provide your contact information. The letter should not exceed 300 words.

Note: 300 words typically constitute about half a page of typed text, assuming standard formatting (such as 12-point Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins).

2. Statement of Qualifications and Work Samples: Include information about your qualifications and experience in public art (this can be reiterated in your letter of interest). Examples include a resume or CV. Provide up to 10 work samples from previous and recent projects that demonstrate your expertise and experience working on projects of a similar scope. Individuals and teams are limited to a maximum of 10 images. Include all images and label each with your full name, followed by a number corresponding to the list of work samples. PDF portfolios are acceptable within the limitations above.

3. Work Sample List: Prepare a one-page listing of each work sample, providing a brief description and budget for each. For example: work sample 1, description, budget and so on. This list should correspond to the images submitted as part of your statement of qualifications and work samples or be included within a PDF portfolio of work samples.

4. References: Provide a list of three references (name, title, email & phone number).

ARTWORK SITE
Width: 54 feet and 8 inches
Height: 9 feet 10 inches

Ensure all materials are clearly labeled and submitted according to the specified guidelines.

NOTE: Do not submit a proposal for artworks at this time.
If you need clarification or further information, contact the Rondo CLT and OCW team at office@officeofculturalwork.org

Deadline: Monday, March 10th, 2025, at 11:59 pm CT.
Late applications will not be considered.