Request for Qualifications: Public Art Mural for Sharpsburg Community Library Courtyard
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
Project Overview
Artspiration, on behalf of Sharpsburg Community Library, seeks to commission an artist/team to design an approximately 64 square foot public art mural at 1212 Main Street, Sharpsburg, PA 15215 in the exterior courtyard of the library. There is no need for it to be an actual square and we encourage the mural to “wander” out of a square space.
Sharpsburg Community Library is seeking an artist to design and create an outdoor mural/work of art on the exterior of our building in our recently refurbished courtyard. The theme is “What can you grow with your imagination?” and we are looking for it to connect to the importance of a library in a community.
Our mission is to cultivate a community of lifelong learners. We are the first place people come for information, inspiration, and enjoyment and to share community knowledge.
We foster wisdom through our award-winning, cutting edge and innovative resources. We are service-oriented and knowledgeable. We value innovation and embrace curiosity to grow with an ever-changing world. We are welcoming and friendly. We value free access to resources and information for everyone. We strengthen community through inclusivity and collaboration.
Budget: $3,000
In addition to a paid interview the budget for this project is $3000 total including:
Artists’ time including but not limited to: community meetings, visioning process and unveiling events
Artist will provide:
Materials & supplies, and installation
Scaffolding, if needed. The library has a ladder.
Artspiration encourages all artists who believe they can thrive in this project to apply. We can talk about the possibility of assisting with installation if that is a deterrent.
Background
Artspiration: Artspiration is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to be a catalyst for community, creativity, and connection in rivertowns like Sharpsburg through the arts. Artspiration's vision focuses on community resilience, inclusivity, dignity, and well-being. Public art projects and events that focus on place keeping, fostering a sense of belonging, and inspiring vibrant, thriving communities are priorities to our organization.
Sharpsburg Community Library is partnering with local nonprofit Artspiration https://www.artspirationpgh.org/ which will assist in the application process, selection and project management of the mural.
Application Process and Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements:
Have documented (online) experience in creating public art murals outdoors on an existing surface
Have documented experience working with the community to design, create public art and receive feedback
Strong project management skills, including managing a budget and adhering to a project timeline
Business insurance
Familiarity with how incredibly important libraries are to a community and the mission, vision and values of SCL.
MUST RESIDE IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY. This is a RAD (Regional Asset District) funded project.
APPLICATION: Interested applicants should COMPLETE THIS FORM by Wednesday, July 15 2026 at 11:59PM ET
Please do not send a design idea for this project. Only those selected for interviews will be asked to do that and they will be compensated for that design.
Artspiration will invite a select group of artists to interview (2-3) with a selection committee including Sharpsburg Community Library representatives. During the PAID interviews ($125), artists will have 30 minutes to present their relevant past work and experience, and to present a basic layout/sketch for the project followed by a Q&A session. This payment is separate from the overall compensation of $3000.
Project Goals and Themes
Themes: “What can you grow with your imagination?” is the driving question. The mural should reflect the importance of how libraries help people grow.. We think libraries are extremely important to all ages.
The mural design should foster a welcoming and inclusive environment. Artists are asked to avoid themes related to religion, politics, profanity, or any imagery that could be considered offensive, divisive, or inconsistent with the mission of a community library. We would like something colorful, eye-catching, and meaningful.
Project Site Details
Mural to be completed on this wall- courtyard of 1212 Main Street, 15215 - to take up approx 64 sq ft. The mural can break free of the “box”. The red box is a selected placement to optimize the art being visible from different angles.
Project Timeline
This project is set to begin late August 2026 and the artwork is to be completed by mid-October 2026. It’s expected that the commissioned artist will work within this general timeline, which could be subject to slight changes and we understand weather delays.
Timeline:
Application Deadline: July 15, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Artist Interviews: Last two weeks July 2026.
Finalist Selected: Within two weeks of final interview, given that an artist is selected in the first round. August 1 target date.
Mural Final Draft Approval: August 2026
Community Meetings: After first draft and before final draft
Project Completion Date: By late September/October 2026
Contact Information
All questions regarding this RFQ should be submitted to the Artspiration Board of Directors: Artspirationpgh@gmail.com. We are unable to answer any other calls, social media messages or emails related to the RFQ other than through this email address.
