Alberta Summer Games seeking artist to create mural in Okotoks

The 2023 Alberta Summer Games is looking for artists to help make a splash. 

In a request for proposals (RFP) put out earlier in October, the Legacy Mural Competition is a call for professional artists to create a design that will live on at the Okotoks Recreation Centre in the form of a 25-foot-long hand painted mural and accompanying artwork for the centre’s public piano, as well as a smaller version to go to Black Diamond. 

“What we want the Legacy Mural Project to end up being to be is sports themed but have that ability for people to pose with it, to do some selfies, have some fun with it,” said Karas Wright, director of culture for the 2023 Alberta Summer Games. 

“There’s some really beautiful interactive art throughout some larger cities, and in Calgary specifically there is, as an example, ‘angel wings’ people can pose in front of.” 

The interaction is taken a step further with a further requirement the artwork invite interaction through the public piano as well. 

“We’ve this added interesting twist of how do you marry culture and art by having this piano with the mural,” Wright said. 

Incorporating the piano ties the project to the Town of Okotoks’ existing public art piano initiative, such as the one currently located outside of the Okotoks Art Gallery. 

Ultimately, the goal is to create a focal point in the space that both embodies the spirit of the Games and creates lasting beautification of the space, and Wright is hoping one of Okotoks and Foothills’ wealth of professional artists can come forward to create the piece. The work wouldn’t go unrewarded, with the contract being offered for a remuneration of $10,000 to be paid in installments before, during and after completion. 

The wall in question is located across from the Hall of Fame at the Recreation Centre and measures 25’ long by 9’8” tall. Also to be painted is the rec centre’s public piano, which should have a clear ‘home’ on the mural, the RFP criteria states. 

In addition to the Okotoks wall mural, the artist would be asked to supply a 60-inch by 24-inch rendering with accompanying plaque. 

“We want to make sure, because the Games are being held in both Okotoks and Black Diamond (soon to be Diamond Valley), that a smaller version is created to be gifted to Black Diamond,” Wright said. 

A list of criteria includes: 

1. A letter of introduction 

2. A narrative and design(s) illustrating the concepts for: a) the overall mural, b) the wall, c) the piano 

3. A timeline for completion 

4. Images and reviews of previously completed works that describe the size, materials, cost and location of other public works. 

5. References for earlier projects 

6. Artist(s) resume(s) or CV, highlighting any previous experience with murals. 

7. No more than 10 digital images of previous murals, artworks or projects, listed in chronological order with the most recent as the first sample. 

8. A description of the approach to the project such as methods of surface preparation, primer applications, varnish or other material to secure the longevity of the mural 

“What we’re looking for is a proof of concept to be delivered by Oct. 30,” Wright said. 

Proposals must be submitted to Wright by mail to 35 South Railway St., Okotoks, AB, T1S 1K5 by midnight on Oct. 30. They should be in a sealed envelope, including a digital format of all components. 

The full request for proposal can be viewed in PDF format here and the tender is officially listed on okotoks.bidsandtenders.ca.

For any other information, contact Karas Wright at [email protected].