BOSTON – Friday, February 3, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) calling on artists to submit their proposals for a mural in Peters Park in the South End. The African Latino Alliance Collective, City Lights, Washington Gateway Main Street, Friends of Peters Park, and Old Dover Neighborhood Association, in coordination with the Boston Art Commission, invite Boston artists to submit conceptual designs for the Peters Park Art Wall. The deadline to submit proposals for the $10,000 project is February 26, 2017 at midnight. The selected mural concept is scheduled to be executed by the submitting artist(s) and a selection of Boston youth in May 2017.
"The Peters Park RFP is designed to bring local youth together with a professional artist, creating an opportunity for creative and cultural expression,” said Mayor Walsh. “Incorporating more public art into our neighborhoods brings vibrancy and value, and is an important part of our Boston Creates Cultural Plan. I look forward to seeing the proposals that are submitted for Peters Park.”
The Peters Park Art Wall was proclaimed a legal graffiti wall in 1986 in an effort to decrease vandalism in the South End. The City, in partnership with area organizations and businesses, seeks to continue the tradition of curating and programming the Art Wall, both for the enrichment of the neighborhood as well as the preservation and celebration of this area’s diverse cultural history.
The RFP is open to all professional artists, artisans, or teams, with experience in public art, site responsive design, project management, and working with youth. The RFP was shaped by community feedback gathered last fall and the successful proposal will celebrate and preserve a history of culturally relevant art for the next wave of artists and community youth.
"The Peters Park RFP is a true community partnership,” said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. “We are looking forward to working with the community and local businesses to create a mural that will celebrate the South End’s cultural history.”
To see the full RFP visit the City’s open calls and applications page or go to the BAC’s “Call to artists” page. All questions regarding the RFP should be submitted to the Boston Art Commission at BAC@boston.gov.
Today’s announcement builds on Mayor Walsh’s commitment to the arts in Boston. Last June, Mayor Walsh announced the release of the city’s cultural plan, Boston Creates, a 10-year led initiative to align public and private resources to strengthen cultural vitality over the long-term, and weave arts and culture into the fabric of everyday life. Recently, Mayor Walsh announced the selection of an artist to create a public art project in Hyde Square, as well as guest curators that were selected to exhibit their work in the City Hall galleries.
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