The Williamsburg Public Art Council is looking for Virginia-based artists to design two murals in Midtown Row.
The City of Williamsburg posted a Request for Quotation/Information (RFQ) for the mural design proposals on Friday, April 1, 2022. The Public Art Council worked with Midtown Row to identify potential wall sites for murals; they chose two walls located on the Food Lion building.
Based on a public input survey conducted in the fall of 2021, the themes of “Community Connections” and “Nature & Beauty” were chosen for walls. The proposed budgets should not exceed the amounts of $11,000 and $7,000 for each respective wall.
Artists are encouraged to explore a variety of concepts and visuals as they relate to the themes. Eligible designs should be:
- An original, one-of-a-kind work
- Suitable and acceptable for public viewing of all ages
- Interactive and experiential by encouraging the public to take photographs and/or selfies with the mural
The deadline for submissions is 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 16. The WPAC and City staff will then select finalists and a public comment period will open in July. The selected winner will be announced in early August with installation to be completed by Sept. 15.
“The Public Art Council is thrilled to kick off the first mural project in Williamsburg,” said Robert Currie, WPAC chair. “There are some very exciting artists and art collectives working in Virginia, so we look forward to seeing the mural proposals that are submitted for these walls in Midtown Row.”
Established in 2021, the Williamsburg Public Art Council is comprised of nine members, including representatives from City boards and commissions and two community positions. As stated in the WPAC ordinance, exterior murals are only allowed for installation in the B-3 zoning district, also known as Midtown.
Through its public art program, the WPAC wishes to celebrate the City’s past, present, and future with public art; enhance the City’s identity and economic vitality by encouraging people to spend more time in the City engaged with public art; and highlight and enhance the beauty and unique character of the City.