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COMING SOON
"Kindness" is a favorite mural in Madison, IN (2021)
Original work by Steve Bickis installed with assistance from Kevin Carlson, inspired by a Jane Vonderheide painting, and shepherded by the Madison Area Arts Alliance
Project Details
Scope — Contract with DBI to 1) design a large mural for a two-story, early 20th-century building in downtown Bloomington; and 2) install the final design on an uninterrupted section of 26’ x 70’ brick wall (109-113 N College Ave. alley).
Eligibility — Any professional US artist may submit proposals provided they:
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are at least 18,
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carry liability insurance for the duration of the project,
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can meet RFP expectations, and
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can work with different paint types and installations (i.e., paint wall or panels).
Budget — The selected artist will be responsible for all aspects of the design and execution within the $25,000 budget (i.e., all labor, equipment, paint, scaffolding/lift rental, materials, travel, etc.).
Project Milestones —
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Selection Notification by Labor Day
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Final Design to City for Approval by Late-September
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Work Expected to Begin in Mid-October
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Project Completed by November 30
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Site — The mural should be compatible with the surrounding area and reflect the historic nature of the district. Maximum dimensions for this project are bounded (blue box in linked image) by a level line above the alley slope, star anchors below the windows, the conduit near the top of the alley, and the vent near the back. Minimum size should be appropriate to the site, budget, and final design.
Community — The design should incorporate one or more of the community’s preferences below and linked here: ONLINE | PDF
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Themes — 1) Arts & Culture, 2) Nature/Landscape/Agriculture, 3) Local History/Identity
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Styles — 1) Realistic, 2) Whimsical, and 3) Abstract
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Other: The community articulated 1) a desire for a bright, happy, even playful feel to the mural, along with 1) highlighting specific qualities of downtown — the activity of restaurants, shops, and music; social gatherings of all sizes; and a quirky and interesting vibe that brings people together.
Content Limitations —
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City Policy says that the mural may not contain ‘speech’ (i.e., words).
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Designs should avoid references to nearby businesses that could trigger the sign ord.
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The Historic Preservation Commission will approve the design according to guidelines.
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Artists must submit their proposals online (AT THIS LINK), including:
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Proposed Mural — 1) a tentative title for the mural, 2) a clear description of design and approach with renderings for proposed mural and 3) a basic budget including all possible costs through project completion
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Artist Information & Experience — 1) contact details for the proposing artist; 2) a narrative bio, resume/CV, and answers to two questions; and 3) references who can speak to past work on similar projects
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Samples of Past Work — a brief synopsis (with images) of work that represents the artist’s style and ability on similar projects
Only complete submissions, using the form provided, and received by the deadline will be considered.
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A review panel will recommend finalists using the following criteria:
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Design Alignment — alignment with theme/style preferences, site context, and appropriateness for all audiences.
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Artistic Excellence — a portfolio of creative quality, originality, and technical proficiency in public, large-scale, or exterior works demonstrating:
o ability to translate a concept into a finished, high-impact mural at scale
o sensitivity to community context, history, and sense of place in past work
o experience incorporating community input into the design process
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Professional Reliability — a history of completing work on time, within budget, and according to requirements.
DBI will make the final selection and may contact references as part of the process.
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More...
This section will help artists understand local context while building their proposals and what will be expected of them after selection.
The site lies within two key districts:
The alley serves many purposes, such as:
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A pedestrian link to the square, City Hall, Farmer’s Market, B-Line, etc.
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The main entrance to In the Kitchen
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A favorite spot for wedding pictures against the Courthouse backdrop
Adjacent businesses include:
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Mural Wall: Peach Cobbler Factory
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Key Building Tenants: Goods for Cooks • In the Kitchen • Art Remains
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Sharing the Alley: JL Waters
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Contracting — The selected artist will contract with DBI for this work, invoicing them in installments: 1) 25% upon contract, 2) 50% as installation begins, and 3) 25% upon project completion.
Design Approval — Up to two design revisions may be requested. DBI will facilitate design approval with the building owner, City Board of Public Works, Planning Department, and Historic Preservation Commission.
Installation — Work is unlikely to start before mid-October and cannot go beyond November due to funding restrictions. The artist will be responsible for day-to-day work and all associated cleanup and should plan for weather-related interruptions without falling behind schedule. DBI will assist the artist in accessing vendors (e.g., pressure washing, lift rental) and coordinating with the building owner for other needs (e.g., utilities, storage, restroom access).
Materials — Mural materials and techniques should be durable and easy to maintain and repair. The Historic Preservation Commission may also define the type of paint to be used.
Promotions — DBI and the City will use images of work-in-progress and final work for promotional purposes. The artist may be asked to promote the work through their digital channels as well.
Is installation timing flexible?
No. Sorry.
Can you clarify the mural dimensions?
We are looking to place the mural on a portion of the 26' x 70' wall. The portion is roughly 10-12’ x 60-65’ but remains fluid. A successful mural might take all of that space or only a portion — could be rectangular or more organic in shape. At the top, we need to stay away from historic architectural detail (star anchors, window arches, and lintels). At the top of the alley, we want neutral space for photographers to frame the Courthouse with the alley. At the bottom, we want to limit splashes of dirt in order to keep maintenance low. Since we were already coming in from the full wall, we wanted the mural to be well framed by negative space. We hope that artists appreciate the flexibility this gives them in their designs and interpretation of the space.
Can you tell us how the panel is leaning re mural style?
While we can’t speak for the panel, they will use community and building owner input as their guide. Community input ranked realism as the top style preference. Here are the feedback links: ONLINE | PDF so that you can get a better feel for what the community is telling us.
Why 2 renderings?
Be reassured. You never needed 2 concepts, only 2 perspectives, components, or variations. That said, 1 rendering of a complete design concept is fine.
Why did you use an RFP instead of an RFQ?
We understand the preference for RFQs, and we take compensation seriously. Unfortunately, our project constraints simply made an RFQ unworkable this time.
Questions?
Contact Talisha Coppock at tcoppock@downtownbloomington.com for information.
Open Now
Bloomington, IN
Downtown Bloomington, Inc., in partnership with the City of Bloomington, is seeking artists to design and install mural in the alley alongside the historic Uptown Plaza with design based on community input and context.
Steps for Submission
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Review the RFP information on this page
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Complete and save your proposal offline — using the form provided
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Email questions to tcoppock@downtownbloomington.com
Deadline & Budget
DEADLINE Proposals must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET, 8/21/2026
BUDGET Up to $25,000 (including all costs through completion)
COMPLETION Murals must be completed by 11/30/2026