Call for Artists: LINC Youth Centre Mural Project

Project Overview:

The City of Courtenay and CV/Arts are seeking an experienced artist to create a mural at the LINC Youth Centre in Downtown Courtenay, British Columbia. This project aims to engage local youth as artist assistants and involves community engagement in the design process.

Project Mission:

The LINC Youth Mentorship Mural Project aims to create a new work of public art that celebrates diversity and strengthens community connections. This project will provide a platform for the selected artist to mentor and empower youth artists (ages 11-21), offering them the opportunity to develop their skills and deepen their engagement with the arts and culture community of the Comox Valley through an apprenticeship-style partnership. This project is dedicated to keen community engagement processes and fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where youths’ ideas and voices are heard and valued, with a particular importance on including Indigenous, LGBTQIA2S+ and other underrepresented communities. This project is also committed to delivering a professionally executed mural of high artistic quality as a contribution to the landscape of public art in the City of Courtenay.

Project Description:

Location: The LINC Youth Centre, 300 Old Island Hwy, Courtenay, BC

Budget: $20,000 (inclusive of community engagement, artist fees, materials and supplies, and youth stipends).

Scope: Design and development of mural composition through community engagement sessions with LINC youth and a panel of stakeholders. Executing the painting of the mural while working with local youth who will participate as paid artist assistants in the painting process.

Eligibility:

Experienced and/or professional artists
Extensive experience working on outdoor murals/public art projects
Experience working with youth and/or community members on public art projects
Ability to undergo a background check

Project Timeline:

RFQ Submission Deadline: ~~July 31, 2024~~ Extended to August 16, 2024
Selection of Finalist: August, 2024
Community Engagement Sessions: Late summer 2024
Project Completion: Fall 2024

Submission Requirements*:

Interested artists are requested to submit the following through the online application process.

1. Cover Letter: A brief introduction and statement of interest in the project including an overview of the artist’s planned approach to the project.

2. Resume: Detailed artist resume, including relevant experience with outdoor murals and youth engagement.

3. Portfolio: Up to 10 images of previous mural projects, with a focus on those involving community engagement and youth participation.

4. References: Contact information for at least two professional references.

5. Community Engagement Approach: A brief outline of your approach to community engagement and working with youth.

*If this application process is a barrier to submission, please reach out to our team (find contact info below) and we will work with you to get the information we need to assess your credentials.

Selection Process: A selection panel composed of representatives from the City of Courtenay, CV/Arts, and community stakeholders will review the submissions. The selection will be based on the following criteria: