CALL FOR ARTISTS

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

The location of this project is at 145 E 200 S, on 200 S between 200 E and State Street (see photos below) in Salt Lake City. It is the east-facing wall of the Maverik Parking Garage and is approximately 160’ long and 70’ tall.  This wall can best be seen from the back patio of Beer Bar, so we encourage you to examine it in person.

A successful mural proposal should be treated as “A Gift to the City,” an out-of-the-box design that portrays unity in the community and a feeling that all Utahn’s are in this together. We would like to leave this as vague as possible to give the artist the most creative freedom for this large mural.  With that in mind, we ask you, the artist, “What art piece would you put here?”  We suggest you research the 2nd and 2nd neighborhood, the history and character of Salt Lake City, and provide us with an in-depth proposal and story about your artwork.

**Your proposal does not have to be for the entire wall, but we encourage you to use the space wisely for the most creative submission.

ALL CAN APPLY

The Blocks is seeking portfolios and proposals from local and nation-wide artists to design, curate and install this large-scale mural. This call is open to artists across the country, but those not from Utah, must ensure that a portion of the work is completed in partnership with a Utah artist. Those new to the public art process in Salt Lake City, or artists and designers working outside of the traditional mural process are encouraged to review the sign ordinance to be in compliance. Chapter 21A.416 in the City Code of Salt lake City, Utah.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Artist Allocation: $50,000

Entry Submission Deadline: Tuesday, January 16, 2024, by 11:59 PM

Mural Completion Date: Wednesday, July 24, 2024 (Utah’s Pioneer Day)

Entry Materials: 

1) Digital portfolio in PDF format

2) a short description of why you would like to be considered for the project

3) A short description on your connection to Utah

4) A proposed concept for the project

The Audience: The people of Salt Lake City

DETAILS

The selected artist will be responsible for travel getting to the site, their own lodging and the installation of their design including:

  • Preparing the wall for painting
  • Painting the mural
  • Provide scaffolding or lift to reach the entire mural

The active dimensions of the wall are outlined below. Visiting the space to get an idea of scale and environment is highly suggested before applying. 

LOCATION NOTE: 

This site is privately owned so please be respectful when checking out the site. The owner, The Blocks and the selection committee will have the final approval of the artwork.

**Mural location is outlined in red, but entire mural location is hard to visualize without visiting

REVIEW PROCESS AND COMMISSION

The Committee that will be responsible for evaluating the proposals consists of local business owners, Maverik representatives,  and The Blocks Arts District team.

The total commission for the selected artist or team is $50,000. Payment will be made as follows: an advance payment of $25,000 (50%) upon artist selection, design approval and signing a contract; the second payment of $25,000 will be made upon completion of the mural.

SUBMISSION

Please send the following to britney@downtownslc.org. Submissions must be in PDF format. Submissions are due Friday, January 16, 2024, by 5 PM. If there are questions about the process or the site, please email merinda@downtownslc.org.

1) Digital portfolio in PDF format

2) a short description of why you would like to be considered for the project

3) A short description on your connection to Utah

4) A proposed concept for the project

WE LOOK FORWARD TO REVIEWING YOUR SUBMISSIONS