Boone County’s “180 in Color” initiative is inviting artists to submit their qualifications to paint a series of vibrant messaging murals in Thorntown, Indiana. These murals are funded by a READI 1.0 grant, with a combination of federal, state, and local (private) funding. The 180 in Color project leverages these funds to create public art as an economic development strategy.
This exciting project offers a $20,000 artist fee for two murals, covering all materials, labor, and supplies necessary to bring these murals to life. The murals will be located at the Odd Fellows Building (102 West Main Street) and buildings at 111/113 East Main Street, both of which are undergoing renovations as part of the Boone County 180 Makeover program.
The Odd Fellows Building, a cornerstone of the makeover, will feature a mural reflecting Thorntown’s community spirit and character, adding a dynamic artistic flair to the area’s revitalization. Similarly, the murals at 111 and 113 East Main will complement ongoing renovations, creating a cohesive and visually appealing streetscape.
Review full RFQ document here.
ELIGIBILITY: Artists over 18 living in central Indiana; must be U.S. citizens or otherwise have authorization to work in the U.S. Preference may be given to artists who live in Boone County, Indiana
FEE: $20,000
DEADLINE: October 28, 2024 8:00 a.m. Eastern
The Thorntown Mural Selection Committee is particularly seeking artists who: have created public art, large-scale works, or exterior projects and/or have experience working in a community process.
Project Timeline
The project will follow this timeline:
- September 24, 2024: Release of Request for Qualifications
- October 9, 2024: Interested applicant Q&A via Teams at 11 am EST. Register here.
- October 28, 2024 – 8 am: Request for Qualifications Deadline
- November 5, 2024: Selection Committee Reviews RFQs and Selects Artist(s)
- November 7, 2024: Selection Committee Notifies Artist(s) of Selection
- January 3, 2025: Concept Design Due
- January 4, 2025 – February 14, 2025: Design Refinement
- February 21, 2025: Final approvals
- May 15, 2025: Project completed
- June 15, 2025: Final billing submitted
How to Apply
Please apply via email at hello@betterinboone.org and include the following information:
- Email Subject Line: Thorntown Messaging Murals
- Applicant Information: Name of artist and/or team name(s), contact address, contact email, contact phone #, social media handles/info
- Professional Bio, Resume or CV: No longer than 3 pages
- Work Samples: Provide up to 5 images of past work that best represent your experience, style, and ability as it relates to this project. In addition, you may also submit up to 3 additional images of any other work (large scale or otherwise) that 4 best represents your work over the past 10 years. Please include a list of the work samples with as much information about each of the samples as possible (include name/title of piece, location, medium, process, dimensions, year completed, cost/price/commission amount, and any other pertinent information).
QUESTIONS? Contact Molly Whitehead, molly@betterinboone.org