Flood wall murals have become part of the landscape in dozens of river cities across the country, adding landmarks and attracting countless visitors. More than 7,000 feet of flood walls on both sides of the Ohio River in four states have been transformed by murals. The Louisville Commission on Public Art invites submissions for large-scale mural installations throughout Louisville-Jefferson County Metro. This opportunity offers funding to activate publicly accessible spaces; increase community vibrancy; and provides space for artistic expression and public engagement. Proposals may be submitted by individual artists or artist teams. Proposals will be evaluated on artistic excellence as evidenced by submitted materials; professional experience; community value added; compatibility with the architectural design, facility environment, and mission and vision of the Commission on Public Art.

Selection Criteria
  1. In alignment with the Commission on Public Art’s mission and vision, proposals should:
  2. Not pose a health or safety hazard (including, but not limited to, trip hazards and driving distractions).
  3. Not advertise a business, organization, political party, or person holding or seeking office in government.
  4. Not be interpretable as advocating hate, violence, racism, sexism, bigotry, or obscenity.
  5. Offer an enduring message, aesthetic, concept, or memorial, one that reflects on the moment in which it was produced but also on the history of the site where it is placed and the future into which it enters.
  6. Cannot be interpreted as exclusive to or of any community.

The Commission on Public Art will review artists’ qualifications and proposals. Louisville Metro Government reserves the right to reject any or all applications, proposals, or projects, and to modify or terminate the application process or the selection process for any reason and without prior notice.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual artists or artist teams residing in the Greater Kentuckiana area. Individuals must be in good standing with any prior Louisville Metro grants, Louisville Revenue Commission, etc.

  • Artist(s)/Artist Team(s) should have demonstrated experience completing public art projects with a similar budget and scope. 
  • Project scope must include the application of a UV fade resistant and graffiti protective coating.
  • Artists may only submit one proposal for either the flood wall project or community project category. 
  • If more than one design is submitted, Metro will consider the first one received. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Site Specifications

Flood Wall Project:
Flood wall murals have become part of the landscape in dozens of river cities across the country, adding landmarks and attracting countless visitors. More than 7,000 feet of flood walls on both sides of the Ohio River in four states have been transformed by murals. Louisville will be installing a flood wall mural pilot project for installation on the 10th Street flood wall and MSD pump station. 

The site that was selected for the pilot project is significant in that it serves as an entryway to Waterfront Park Phase IV. This gateway will serve as a connecting point to the riverfront, recreation, and the community. Project designs and proposal should center around themes of connection across the natural environment, civic infrastructure, and social landscape.

View Flood Wall Project Site

The Army Corps of Engineers has outlined standard operating procedures and material specifications required for painting levee system concrete structures. 

Read Army Corps Requirements

Community Project(s)
Up to four (4) additional projects will be selected for funding.
Proposed sites must be accessible to the general public and designs may not advertise, promote, or endorse any business, organization, or event. The artist applicant is responsible for obtaining permission from the property owner and must confirming that any required permits can be obtained prior to submitting an application. Funding priority will be given to sites spread throughout the Louisville Metro Community as well as sites that currently do not have a high concentration of public artwork.

Budget

Flood Wall Project:
10th St flood wall mural: $115,000

Community Project(s):
Award amounts will vary based on the scale and scope of the project, not to exceed $20,000 per project.

The selected artist(s) or artist teams will be awarded a comprehensive contract. The artist will be responsible for artwork design, materials, installation, insurance, project documentation and reporting.

Project Timeline
  • Application opens: July 24th
  • Online Q&A Office Hours Session: August 16th 4:00pm-5:00pm (https://louisvilleky.webex.com...)
  • Deadline to apply:  September 1st  
  • Proposals selected:  September 16th    
  • Installations:  September 30th - October 31st  

Submission Requirement Details

*The following materials should be saved as multiple individual PDFs for each needed submission attachment using the following file naming convention (lastname_firstinitial_proposal.pdf). The letter of interest should not exceed one page and resume should not exceed two pages. You will have 10 attachment slots.

1. Resume

Include complete contact information including street address, phone number, and email.

2. Artist Statement

Describe your interest in this project and how your artwork and technical process would be well-suited for this opportunity. Please specify if you are only interested in being considered for one of the two submission categories. Otherwise, you will be considered for both.

If you are emerging into public art, address the reasons why you believe you are qualified for the opportunity, or the steps you would take to ensure successful completion of this project.

3. Design Proposals

Provide a high-quality color image of your concept design.

4. Work Samples

Up to ten images of past work. Name files with artist’s last name, first initial and number that corresponds to the image information on the image list.

5. Image list

Provide a description for each image including key details: title, location, cost/budget, date completed, materials, dimensions, project partners, etc.

6. Proposed Location/Site Plan

If submitting to the Community Mural Category ONLY, please provide a detailed plan for your chosen site.

Note: If you must leave the application portal and return to complete it at another time, you will be able to log in at the link below to edit your submission details.

User Login | Louisville Metro 2024 Mural Funding (artcall.org)

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