Downtown Mural Project - Request for Qualifications Closes on Oct 4th
We are just a few weeks away from wrapping up phase one of our downtown Ellsworth outdoor public art mural. We are inviting Maine or artists with a connection to Maine to submit through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process. The RFQ has been posted at heartofellsworth.org/downtown-mural and will remain open until October 4th when the application process closes.
The site for the mural will be a brick building on the banks of the Union River and the selected artist will work with the Heart of Ellsworth Mural Committee, community groups and volunteers to research potential subjects. The selected artist will create renderings of 2-3 options, which will be put out for community input. The selection committee will select the final design.
Vinyl installation of the project process to communicate with passers-by where we are in the process. Visual concept: Lori Chase, Designed: Maggi Blue, Printed: Banner City Graphics, Bucksport Maine Installed by volunteers Peter Lione and Kim Delbridge.
Winter of 2022, the selected artist will work with the H of E staff and committee to plan spring activities, student involvement and the mural actualization process. Cara Romano, Heart of Ellsworth’s Executive Director, said, “Our ambition is that this project will kindle the community’s support for future public art, leading to a richer cultural experience and economic development in downtown Ellsworth.” She continued, “It is our intention to involve the community in not only the design, but also the actual painting of the mural.”
The mural site was donated by Coastal Interiors and initial seed money has been received from Maine Community Foundation. Recent funding from the Maine Arts Commission will move the project toward the next phase.
Check out this video produced by local videographer Kyle Lamont of Good to go Studios. It perfectly highlights the mural project and the impact that public art can have in a highly-visible downtown location, the mural will infuse the daily life of all Ellsworth community members. https://youtu.be/92BdhUrEDVg
The second phase includes subject research, community engagement, promotion and fundraising. The third phase involves the actual painting of the mural and is scheduled in the spring/fall of 2022. We are currently exploring all funding opportunities through grants and community support.