Call for Artists for Cedar Valley Nature Trail Murals

The City of Cedar Rapids has announced a call for artists to submit proposals for two murals along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, under the 12th Avenue Bridge along the SE-side trail, and under the 8th Avenue Bridge alongside the SE-side trail. Community art would beautify and enhance the trail network, bringing bright and vibrant works of art that accentuate the use of a riverside trail network in an urban context. A wide variety of artistic styles will be considered, and work that incorporates street art styles are particularly welcomed.

Funding is available for both projects. Artists may submit for one or both projects. The submission deadline is May 7, 2021.

12th Avenue SE

• Site Details: The proposed site for this mural is along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, underneath the 12th Avenue Bridge. The wall dimensions are approximately 75 feet wide by 10 feet tall, for a total of 750 square feet. The wall is painted cement with some inset areas. Photos and location map are available on the City’s website: www.cityofcr.com/vac
• Funding Available: The selected artist will receive $9,000 for their work. Half of this fee will be paid up front, with the remainder paid upon completion of the mural.
• Installation Timeline: Summer 2021
• Because of this site’s proximity to the African American Museum of Iowa, works that incorporate themes related to racial/social justice and equity are encouraged.

8th Avenue SE

• Site Details: The proposed site for this mural is along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, underneath the 8th Avenue Bridge. The wall dimensions are approximately 40 feet wide by 10 feet tall, for a total of 400 square feet. The wall is unpainted cement (will be treated with primer/sealer prior to installing the mural) with some inset areas. Photos and location map are available on the City’s website: www.cityofcr.com/vac
• Funding Available: The selected artist will receive $5,000 for their work. Half of this fee will be paid up front, with the remainder paid upon completion of the mural.
• Installation Timeline: Summer 2021
• Mural at this location would be temporary, with replacement of the 8th Avenue Bridge scheduled as part of the Flood Control System (2023+).

Submissions:

• Each proposal should include:
• Concept design for this particular location
• Examples of your previous completed work
• A brief description of materials you plan to use and estimated installation timeline
• A brief artist statement and biography.
• Artists may submit as an individual or as part of group.
• Artists may submit for one or both projects (if submitting for both projects, please submit a proposal for each site).
• If selected, the selection committee may suggest minor alterations to the design in collaboration with the artist prior to installation.
• Submission should not include any business advertising or logos, any imagery copyrighted by a different entity, profanity, or political campaigning.
• Files submitted should be no larger than 2mb. PDF formats preferred.

Submission Deadline: May 7, 2021
Final Selection: May 13, 2021

Email your submission to Sylvia Brueckert in the Community Development Department: s.brueckert@cedar-rapids.org.

For full content guidelines, site preparation, artist responsibility, and insurance requirements, visit www.cityofcr.com/vac.

Artists who would like to be notified of any future public art opportunities may sign up for the city’s artist contact list by sending their name and contact information to s.brueckert@cedar-rapids.org.