To: Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
From: Caitlin Early, Campaign & Development Officer
Date: January 21, 2025
Re: Request for Mural Proposals
TART Trails is seeking proposals from qualified artists who are members of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians to create a 20’ wide x 15’ high mural on the GT Profile building along the Boardman Lake Loop Trail.
The entirety of the TART Trails network exists on the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary Lands of the Anishinaabeg – the Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples. Through the completion and installation of this project, we aim to amplify the full, longstanding history of the land with all who traverse the trails in the TART network.
The Boardman Lake Loop mural project aims to contribute to the community and build on our region’s cultural resources – the art installation will stimulate community dialogue between people of all ages and abilities, inspire the mind and senses by creating an unexpected aesthetic experience, and enliven the appearance and appeal of this well-traveled public space along a network of non-motorized trails. People of all ages will walk, bike, and gather as they enjoy this mural, and its contribution to the rich texture of the fabric that is the story of our time, our place, and our lives.
Please submit your proposals digitally in PDF format to ca*****@tr************.org no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 6, 2025.
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
TART Trails, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established in 1998. Our mission is to provide and promote a trail network that enriches people and communities throughout the greater Traverse region. Born from four individual trail groups in the Traverse area who united to create a stronger force for recreation and transportation, we are now led by ten staff and fifteen volunteer board of directors.
TART Trails is dedicated to a healthy environment, thriving economies, and resilient communities. We support personal and community health and wellbeing through providing transportation and recreation opportunities accessible to all. We build, manage, and support a network of trails in northwest Lower Michigan, in collaboration with community partners. Our network hosts over 500,000 annual visits and includes 100+ miles of recreation and transportation pathways open for year round activities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy. We are supported by a force of hundreds of volunteers, over a thousand dedicated donors and community partners with shared goals. Together, TART Trails is connecting communities.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Please include the following information in your proposal:
- Letter of interest– one page of text explaining interest in the project. Please be specific as possible with your concept and your implementation plan. Include a sketch image of concept (does not have to be a final mock up)
- Current resume – detailing past or current commissions and public installations of work
- Digital portfolio or website of the artist.
- References – list of three professional references with knowledge of the artist’s work and working methods
PROJECT BUDGET
The artist will receive compensation commensurate with experience, beginning at $6,000. All expenses including costs associated with the design, fabrication, and supplies and assistant fees are the responsibility of the artist.
TART will purchase primer, cover the payment of costs pertaining to the renting for equipment including scaffolding for the artist to use during installation, cover the payment of costs for sealant protection of the final artwork, and cover the payment of costs for art signage to be affixed to building next to the finished artwork.
PROPOSAL TIMELINE
January 21, 2025: RFP Issued
March 6, 2025: Proposals Due by 4:00 p.m. Eastern
March 11 – 19, 2025: Artist Interviews
March 20, 2025: Notice of Selection
Project Start Date: no later June 15, 2025
Celebration event to be scheduled upon completion
For more information or questions about this project proposal please contact:
Caitlin Early
Campaign & Development Officer
TART Trails, Inc.
ca*****@tr************.org