The City of Ann Arbor is asking for design proposals for murals, which will be located at the basketball courts in Bicentennial Park and Leslie Park, to help commemorate the City's historic bicentennial occasion.
With the project expected to be completed in 2024, artists from everywhere are invited to submit proposals to design a mural to recognize the city's 200 years: past, present, and future. One selected artist will receive a $25,000 contract with the city to purchase and install their design on two basketball courts in city parks, and two runner-ups will each receive $500.
Sean Reynolds, senior analyst for the Office of Sustainability and Innovations for the City of Ann Arbor, discusses what he hopes to see for the Ann Arbor Bicentennial.
"More community members will have easy access to enjoy the murals. We want to show the winning design to as many folks as possible," Reynolds said.
Artists outside of Ann Arbor are welcome to submit designs; however, the artist's connection to the City will be considered.
"... Since the murals celebrate Ann Arbor's past, present, and future, it is important to us that local art and artists are celebrated. A brief written statement explaining the artist's connection to Ann Arbor is required to ensure this factor is considered," Reynolds said. "It will be one of the pieces evaluated in determining the finalist designs."
The City of Ann Arbor decided to host a competition to celebrate the talent in the community, asking everyone, students and citizens, to help vote on which mural looks the best. With anyone participating in this competition, the city asks that artists look at the Call for Artists proposal before submitting designs!
The City's main hope for the project is seeing what everyone's ideas are. The Committee is excited to see what designs artists can develop, as the Committee is looking for no specific plans. Still, the main mural they are looking for helps celebrate Ann Arbor's past, present, and future.
If anyone is interested in submitting mural ideas for the Bicentennial, the deadline is Monday, Feb. 5., at 5 p.m.
Submission rules can be found on the city's website.
