Call for Artists: City Hall Street Art

The City of Lowell, through the Department of Planning and Development, invites artists to submit proposals for City Hall Street Art (temporary on-street mural) within existing striped curb extensions along Merrimack Street at City Hall and Cardinal O’Connell Parkway.

Submit your application online using the following link: https://form.jotform.com/240864939312159.

If you have any questions or wish to arrange a site visit, please contact Elizabeth Oltman, PE, City Transportation Engineer at (978) 674-1405 (eoltman@lowellma.gov).

Project Timeline

  • Call for Artists OPEN: Friday, April 12, 2024

  • Info Session via Zoom (optional): Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 5:30 PM

  • Call for Artists CLOSE: Friday, May 10, 2024

  • Artists Notified by: Friday, May 24, 2024

  • Lowell Historic Board Meeting: Monday June 10, 2024 (submission date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024)

  • Installation Period: June 17 - June 28, 2024 (dates subject to change based on the weather)

The informational session will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 5:30-6 PM. It is optional and will serve as a space where artists can ask questions. Register in advance to receive a Zoom link: https://form.jotform.com/240925208010141.

General Information

The City of Lowell invites Lowell-practicing artists to submit proposals for a new type of traffic calming treatment involving converting a portion of the street surface into public art. Information published by the City of Boston on this type of installation may be found in the Boston Temporary Art Guidebook.

This call will be managed by the Department of Planning and Development in collaboration with the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (CASE) was created by city ordinance in 2008 and produces projects directly and serves as the main facilitator for organizations looking to produce art or projects within the City of Lowell. CASE works closely with other City departments and partner organizations to elevate arts and culture within the City of Lowell.

This call is restricted to Lowell-practicing artists. Artists who do not maintain a residence or studio space in Lowell will not be considered.

Map of the location on Merrimack Street that will host the City Hall Street Art. The yellow highlighted sections will be used as art space.

Project Details

  • Location: Merrimack Street at City Hall (approximately 1,167 square feet).

    • View the location on Google Maps here.

    • Due to the location, a Lowell Police Officer will be present during installation to manage traffic flow.

  • Medium: Artists may select appropriate paint for their project. No retroreflective mediums may be used. Submissions must be two-dimensional. Work cannot feature any commercial, political, or religious content and should be appropriate for viewers of all ages. The painted areas may not include typical roadway signage images (stop signs, crossing signs, yield signs, etc.) or painted instructions (STOP, YIELD, BUS, etc.) The installation should be distinct from typical roadway striping colors (no centerline yellow, bike lane green, bus lane red). The installation is not intended to communicate regulations, warnings, guidance, or other information to road users.

  • Selection: Selection will be made based on the proposal that receives the highest score on the selection rubric (see the “Artist Selection Criteria” section for details on the rubric). Members of the Department of Planning and Development and other community partners will comprise the selection committee. Approval of the final design by the Lowell Historic Board is required.

  • Budget: $3,000 - $5,000. Applicants will be asked to submit a basic budget for their project. City funds will reimburse the awarded artist after allowable expenses are incurred and valid requests for reimbursement are submitted. For a template budget, visit here.

  • Site Prep and Installation: City staff will power wash the site prior to installation. The pavement will remain in as-is condition.

  • Mural Experience: Experience with painting outdoor murals is encouraged, but not required.

Artist Selection Criteria

Artist selection will be based on the following criteria:

Visit here for a PDF copy of the selection rubric.

Application: Application must include all required information (see application requirements below). Incomplete/unreadable submissions will not be accepted.

Qualifications:  Artist(s) demonstrates…

  • Interest and commitment to creatively engaging with the community through positive reflections of the Greater Lowell area.

  • Artists must practice in Lowell (live in or maintain studio space).

Project Concept: Proposed project concepts must…

  • Be inclusive and welcoming to diverse audiences and appropriate for viewers of all ages.

  • Be two-dimensional, either a painted work or photograph.

  • NOT feature any commercial, political, or religious content.

  • NOT communicate regulations, warnings, guidance, or other information to road users.

Application Requirements and How to Submit Qualifications

Proposals must be received by the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and must include:

Contact information: Artist name and contact information—phone number, email and mailing address. Team applications should include a brief description of the team and identify who the point person for the team is.

Qualifications:

  • Resume/CV (2 page max) and/or short bio (two paragraphs).

  •  Work samples:

    • 3-5 digital images of applicant’s related work with descriptions that include: title, year and medium.  Images may be uploaded as jpg in the online form, included with the rest of the application materials in a single PDF if emailed, or printed and mailed with application materials.

    • Links to artist’s website and/or portfolio if available.

  • Contact information for two references on similar projects.

  • Budget for your work. Visit here for a budget template.

Project Concept

  • Please include a copy of the work to be submitted or a brief conceptual outline of the piece.

Proposals may be submitted in the following ways:

  • Via online application.

  • Email to eoltman@lowellma.gov. Please submit all materials in a single PDF.

  • Hand-delivered to the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events:

    Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

    Attn.: Peter Crewe

    375 Merrimack St., Rm 7

    Lowell, MA 01854

 

If you have any questions or wish to arrange a site visit, please contact Elizabeth Oltman, PE, City Transportation Engineer at (978) 674-1405 (eoltman@lowellma.gov).