1. Project Overview

The Arts Center of the Capital Region is seeking qualified and experienced mural artists to design and execute a large-scale mural at 400 River Street in Downtown Troy, NY. The mural will span approximately 33’ x 44’ (1,450 sq. ft.) and serve as a highly visible gateway landmark that reflects the spirit and diversity of Troy.  

This mural should celebrate the community’s identity, fostering a sense of connection while honoring the people, stories, and culture that define Troy. As a prominent feature in the cityscape, it should be an enduring and uplifting representation of today’s Troy for both residents and visitors.  

Potential themes for the mural can include imagery inspired by Troy’s natural and built environment—such as the Hudson River and its valley, New York State’s flora and fauna, Troy’s historic architecture and monuments, or other symbols of the city. While Troy is well known as the home of Uncle Sam, this mural offers an opportunity to showcase a broader narrative of the city’s identity.  

Community gateway murals often incorporate cultural and historical representation, themes unity and connectivity, nature and landscape elements, abstract or symbolic design, and inspirational words or messages.  

The mural site is located within Downtown Troy’s Historic District. While there are no restrictions on color or imagery (aside from the exclusion of neon paints), artists are encouraged to thoughtfully consider the ornate detailing of the building when developing their designs.  

This project is funded through New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.  

Troy’s History

For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Troy was one of the most prosperous cities in the US, and its historic downtown was the home to successful commerce and the industrial elite.  RPI, founded in 1821, helped Troy rise to prominence as did the famous detachable collar, which gave Troy its nickname “The Collar City.” Troy is one of a four-city area that makes up the Capital Region, which is an area of cities, suburbs and nearby farmlands.

As with many cities in Upstate NY, its prosperity waned as industry moved away and it left behind a perfectly preserved historic district that is now a national landmark, and a point of pride in our region.  Covering over 96 acres, the dense historic district comprises 2 to 6 story buildings, predominantly 19th Century single use buildings and homes and small industrial buildings, that house creative restaurants, retailers and small businesses with a growing hub of game designers and engineers. 

Today, Troy is home to 51,000 residents who represent vastly diverse demographics with no one nationality, age group or lifestyle dominating its culture, all of whom will enjoy the mural.  The mural site is in a highly visible location, faces a major bridge to Troy, and will be seen by all of Troy and its visitors.  

2. Eligibility & Qualifications

Artists must demonstrate:

• Proven experience with large-scale mural projects (comparable in size and complexity).
• Strong artistic vision.
• Experience with durable, weather-resistant materials suitable for outdoor applications.
• Ability to work within budget and timeline constraints.

3. Project Scope & Requirements

• Theme & Community Engagement: The mural should align with the theme of “Community Gateway”, this may include incorporating the history, culture, and identity of Troy. If requested by the artist, local stakeholders can be introduced for further community engagement if needed. 
• Material & Surface Considerations: The mural supplies will be provided by the Arts Center of the Capital region with the exception of a paint sprayer. This will include: paint, brushes, tarps, lift, etc. Additional supplies can be requested by the final artist.
• Implementation & Execution: The selected artist will be responsible for ensuring adherence to safety protocols and project guidelines. If an assistant is needed, this will be the full responsibility of the artist including payment.

4. Selection Process & Timeline

Round 1: RFQ Submission

Interested artists must submit the following by May 23, 2025

• Resume/CV detailing relevant experience.
• Portfolio of past large-scale mural projects (minimum of three).
• Artist statement explaining artistic approach and interest in the project.
• Three professional references.
  → Submission Deadline: May 23, 2025

Round 2: Initial Concept Sketches (Three Artists Chosen)

A shortlist of qualified artists will be invited to submit three preliminary concept sketches. A stipend of $500 will be provided to each qualifying artist for this phase.
→ Shortlisted Artists Notified: June 2, 2025
→ Concept Sketch Submissions Deadline: June 18, 2025

Round 3: Finalist Selection 

From the three artist sketch submissions, one artist will be selected to further develop their concepts with feedback from the Curator. A stipend of $1,000 will be provided to the chosen finalist.
→ Finalist Chosen and Notifications of Selection: June 20, 2025

Round 4: Design Revisions

The selected artist will be required to make up to two design revisions before final approval.
→ Finalist Concept Development & Refinements: June 25 – July 30, 2025
→ Final Design Approval: August 1, 2025

Mural Installation & Completion

The final artist will begin production after approval.
→ Mural Implementation Begins: September 9, 2025
→ Mural Completion Deadline: September 16, 2025

5. Budget & Compensation

The project budget includes artist payment for design and labor.
→ Final artist selected for initial sketch & concept will receive payment upon selection.  
→ After two rounds of reviews and changes the artist will receive payment for revisions.
→ Once the final design is accepted the artist will be paid for the final approved design.
→ The artist will be paid for full project implementation upon completion.

The final artist payment is $36,000.

6. Submission Instructions

Interested artists should submit materials by May 23, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For inquiries, contact:
   Belinda Colón
   Curator/Project Manager
publicart@artscenteronline.org