Artist Request for Proposal (RFP)
A Semi-Public Art Mural Project: 4101 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304
Introduction to the Project
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is kicking off a Mural Project, as part of a larger beautification project funded by a Lowe’s Hometown grant. The AWLA is seeking proposals from artists with experience in arts for the design and execution of a mural that can help create a more welcoming space and reinforces our mission statement.
The objective of this project is to create a piece of art that celebrates the unique bond between humans and animals and encourages adoption. The mural should reflect the diversity of our AWLA community and the animals in our care.
The AWLA prides itself on being more than a shelter with community programs (like our Pet Pantry, low and no-cost vaccine and microchip clinics, and affordable spay and neuter vouchers) that help guardians care for their animals and keep animals where they belong – with their loving families. Additionally, the AWLA provides a variety of critical services to our community, including animal control services, low-cost animal behavior and training courses and referrals, wildlife care and rescue, and more.
While it might be difficult to capture all of these aspects of our work in a mural, our hope is that it would highlight the idea that we are a multifaceted non-profit organization.
The mural will be painted on a corrugated metal that is attached to a chain link fence in one of our courtyards. This courtyard is used to allow potential adopters visit with dogs, as an outdoor space for summer camp, birthday parties and other youth events, as a space to photograph adoptable dogs, and as a space for staff to take breaks. A portion of the fence can be seen from our lobby, community room, parking lot, and the trail that runs along our property.
The mural should encourage a feeling of love for animals, compassion, and community.
About the AWLA
The AWLA’s mission is to inspire compassion for all living things, to provide shelter to animals in need, and to promote adoptions, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in our community.
Since 1946, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has been a resource for our community and a shelter for homeless animals. Through adoptions, spay and neuter assistance, education, community service and outreach, the AWLA plays a key role in promoting responsible pet care across Northern Virginia. The AWLA has worked with the City of Alexandria to provide animal care, control, protection and sheltering services since 1989. We operate the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, an open-admission facility accepting any and all animals brought to us from within the jurisdiction. We have made a commitment to help animals in need with the help of our amazing and animal-loving community.
We care for more than 2,000 animals per year, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, iguanas and chinchillas. Our specially-trained staff also assist area wildlife that have been injured or are in distress, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat or transferring them to licensed wildlife rehabilitators for care and eventual release.
Mural Site Location and Specifications
The AWLA will commission a professional artist to paint a narrative mural that encompasses the AWLA’s mission. In 2002 the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter was established and became the new home for the AWLA. Thanks to a Lowe’s Hometown grant the building is getting a mini facelift to create a more efficient and organized spaces to better serve and welcome the community.
We are seeking proposals that conveys the unique bond between humans and animals and encourages adoption. The mural space is located at 4101 Eisenhower Avenue and faces east in a partially tree-shaded area. It serves as one side of a courtyard space that is used to allow potential adopters visit with dogs, as an outdoor space for summer camp, birthday parties and other youth events, as a space to photograph adoptable dogs, and as a space for staff to take breaks. A portion of the fence can be seen from our lobby, community room, parking lot, and the trail that runs along our property. The mural space is 29 ft wide and 5.5 ft tall and made of corrugated plastic.
Eligibility
This call is open to all US-based artists. Of course, artists from the DC/MD/VA area are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates must be professional artists, designers, or fabricators or partnered with professional artists, designers, or fabricators. The artist must be available to conduct or oversee the installation of the mural. Current AWLA staff members can not apply.
Proposal Requirements
The following is required for consideration as a completed proposal:
- Contact information: Name, address, telephone number, email address
- Written narrative describing your artistic vision and proposal (No longer than 500 words)
- Sketches to explain your vision
- Proposed installation timeline
- Estimated budget
- Examples of past work
- References (Minimum of 2)
Deadline
All proposals must be submitted electronically by Friday, September 6, 2024 at 5:00 PM Eastern. Materials must be submitted via email to the attention of Megan Hess mhess@alexandriaanimals.org. Please use the subject “Mural Proposal – FIRST NAME LAST NAME” A confirmation email will be sent to all applicants.
Budget
A total of $2,500 has been identified for the purposes of this project. Artist will be responsible for their own travel costs and materials including any materials needed to prepare the surface.
Selection Process
A 5-person representative committee has been established and will review all completed proposals. Committee members include AWLA staff, volunteers, board members and clients. We will select one finalist for the project. The following will be considered in the selection process:
- Artist met the requirements outlined in the RFP.
- Attention to the mission of the project.
- Evidence of ability to create large-scale, distinctive work.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain project timelines and budgets.
- Originality and creativity.
Project Timeline
August 6, 2024: RFP Distributed
September 6, 2024: Deadline for receipt of proposals
September 15, 2024: Artist selected and contract completed
September 27, 2024: Design finalized
October 1, 2024: Work begins
October 31, 2024: Work finalized
Ownership
The artist will retain ownership of any ideas submitted for consideration until a final selection has been made and a contract will be signed between the AWLA and the selected artist. At that time, the AWLA will obtain 100% ownership of artwork produced, in whatever stage of completion, and the artwork shall become the property of the AWLA as a work made for hire as defined by the copyright laws of the United States. The AWLA shall be the sole and exclusive owner and copyright proprietor of all rights and title in and to the results and proceeds of artist’s services hereunder. In addition, the artist will represent being the sole author of the work and that all services are original by the artist and not copied in whole or in part.