Seeking: Artist to Design Pole Banner Graphics with Community Input
Request for Proposal (RFP) for Artist to Design Pole Banner Graphics with Community Input
Issued By: Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce
Date Issued: March 19, 2025
Proposal Due Date: April 11, 2025
Edit: Edit: We are working to update our graphic, but please note that questions and proposals should be emailed to dana@baldwincitychamber.com rather than director@lumberyardartscenter.com. Questions can also be directed to lmeador@baldwincity.gov.
Overview
Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce is seeking proposals from artists or designers to create unique pole banner designs that reflect the identity, culture, and values of our community. These banners will be displayed on poles throughout the downtown area. The selected artist(s) will incorporate input from community members into the final designs. A stipend will be provided for the selected artist(s).
Project Scope
Design Creation: Develop nine (9) distinct pole banner graphics that showcase elements of Baldwin City's heritage, landmarks, and natural beauty. Artists may submit proposals for three (3), six (6), or nine (9) designs, based on the subsections below.
These designs are split into the following subsections:
USD 348, Baker, and History
Art, Events/Play, and Nature
Service, Veterans, Maple Leaf Festival
Community Engagement: Incorporate community feedback gathered during the public input phase (December 9, 2024 – February 17, 2025) into the design process. The artist selected will work with a volunteer committee to finalize designs.
Theme Integration: Align designs with themes identified by the Main Street Design Committee, reflecting the essence of Baldwin City. See themes listed under Design Creation above. More details are available on the design process and theme selection, upon request.
Final Deliverables: Working with the producer chosen by the Design Committee, provide print-ready digital files formatted for banner production. Assistance will be provided to transfer any non-digital designs to printable format.
Timeline Adherence: Ensure designs are completed in alignment with the project schedule, aiming for installation by mid-summer 2025.
Banner Specifications
Material: vinyl
Size: 2 feet by 5 feet
Design Requirements: High-resolution, scalable digital format suitable for large-format printing. Assistance will be provided to transfer designs to printable format.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to artists, graphic designers, and illustrators with experience in public art or community-based projects.
Experience in working with community input is preferred.
Must be able to complete the project within the specified timeline.
Budget & Compensation
There is an artist stipend of up to $1,500, which will be split into three (3) increments of $500 per set of three (3) designs. This is to cover artist fees, concept development, and community engagement sessions. Artists may submit proposals for three (3), six (6), or nine (9) designs, based on the subsections.
Submission Requirements
Interested artists should submit the following:
Letter of Interest detailing their experience, approach to community engagement, and artistic vision. A brief overview of any familiarity with the Baldwin City Community Mural Team and/or Baldwin City Main Street Design Team is also desirable.
Portfolio showcasing relevant work samples.
Design/Theme preference, including how many total designs they are interested in creating. MUST be in increments of three (3), based on the subsections laid out. Please contact us with questions (see contact information below).
Proposed Timeline for concept development and final design completion.
Selection Process & Timeline
Proposal Deadline: April 11, 2025
Review & Selection: The week of April 14th
Design Development: May 1 – June 15, 2025
Final Design Submission: June 15, 2025
Banner Installation: Summer 2025
Evaluation Criteria
Artistic quality and originality
Experience with public art and community engagement
Feasibility of the proposed timeline
Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality digital artwork for printing
Submission Instructions
Please submit proposals via email to Dana Mullis at dana@baldwincitychamber.com, with the subject line "Pole Banner RFP Submission." For questions or additional information, contact Dana at the email above or Lynn Meador at lmeador@baldwincity.gov.
Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received as a result of this RFP. Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this RFP.
