The City of Marion is seeking artists or artist teams interested in designing artwork for three vinyl-wrapped utility boxes in Uptown Marion along 7th Avenue in City Square Park. This public art initiative is being led by the Marion Arts Council.
Project Overview
The selected artist will create original, site-responsive artwork to be reproduced on vinyl and installed on designated utility boxes. Designs should be visually engaging from multiple directions and suitable for a public audience of all ages.
Artwork must align with the biophilic design principles identified in the Active Living & Biophilic Design Plan. This plan is a community strategy aimed at encouraging residents to be physically active and to interact with nature on a regular basis. It integrates design policies for active living, active transportation and biophilic design to improve health, well-being and quality of life.
The City seeks artwork that is vibrant, family-friendly and reflective of the unique identity of Uptown Marion.
Eligibility
- Open to professional artists and artist teams
- Artists working in any 2D media are welcome
- Experience with public art or community engagement is preferred but not required
Selected artist(s) will be responsible for:
- Developing three original utility box wrap designs
- Participating in design review discussions with City staff and the Marion Arts Council
- Revising designs as requested
- Preparing print-ready digital files based on provided templates and specifications
- Submitting final artwork by established project deadlines
The City reserves the right to request minor modifications to ensure artwork suitability, print quality and alignment with project goals.
Compensation
A total stipend of $2,100 will be provided to the selected artist for three approved final designs. This stipend is all-inclusive and covers the artist’s design time, community engagement, research and preparation of print-ready digital files.
The selected artist(s) will receive compensation upon approval and submission of final digital artwork files.
The City of Marion will contract separately with a professional vendor to print and install the utility box wraps from the digital files submitted by the artist.
Questions
Please contact Kelly Willadsen via email or 319-447-3591 with questions or comments.
