For artists who think a canvas is way too confining, the City of Indio has an opportunity to make a large-scale impact with its new mural project.
The city's Facebook invitation for qualified mural applicants starts with the words, "Calling all artists! The City of Indio Public Arts Commission is seeking the creation of a site-specific mural to be painted on the north-facing wall of a building located within the city's Downtown, 45430 Fargo Street, aka the old Angle View store."
The new mural set will be part of the building's transformation into an office and will bring to 10 the number of artists' murals on display throughout the city. The featured wall's dimensions are 130 by 25 feet.
The city is seeking local artists, either teams or individuals, to submit proposals for the design and implementation of the mural and has set a deadline of 5 p.m. on Aug. 11 to apply through the city website.
While creativity is encouraged, the city does have some parameters. For instance, the theme should feature energetic, joyful and colorful imagery one might remember from a music festival.
Furthermore, "abstract and contemporary work is preferred over literal imagery," the city said in its request for proposal. Indio's vision for this mural also includes a feature in which visitors and residents standing in front of the art would "become part of the mural."
Those interested can submit their applications at this link.
The City Council has budgeted up to $50,000 for the mural plus up to $10,000 for lighting. The budget includes the artist's or artists' fee, wall preparation, material/supply costs, rental equipment, travel-related expenses, and all other associated costs, the RFP says.
Earlier this month, the city reached out to art conservation experts and teams to help maintain existing murals in need of specified touchups and cleanings.
"The City of Indio is searching for professional conservators and conservation firms to provide valuable advice and conduct essential yearly maintenance on our magnificent Mural Collection," the announcement said. The deadline to apply for mural restoration is July 7 at 5 p.m. Applications for mural maintenance are available at this website.