Call for Artists – 2011 Mercato Mural Project

The Mercato invites artists to submit artwork for the Mercato Mural Project, Naples, FL, an exterior large scale mural installation located throughout the Mercato property.

Deadline for Submission: Postmarked or emailed no later than December 20, 2011

Project Description

The goal of this project is to create a vibrant outdoor gallery for the enjoyment of all strolling Mercato customers, from toddlers to retirees. We envision the Mercato as a dynamic year-round venue for diverse music, fine art (including exhibits and hands-on demos or workshops), performance art, theatrics and film. The majority of these initiatives will be free, open to the public and designed to inspire established and budding talents to join a new arts movement in Southwest Florida.

The Mercato is seeking artists to provide artwork for multiple large scale murals that will be located throughout the bustling main plaza and will convey the Mercato’s unique message of urbane sophistication and commitment to bringing top quality arts and culture to SW Florida.

Sites range from approximately 42 to 143 square feet. See attached exhibit for a sample of available mural spaces. All artwork will be reproduced onto vinyl or similar material which will be applied to the mural site. Artists will not be responsible for the production or installation of reproduced artwork.

Artists exhibiting a unique technique, style or thematic focus not traditionally associated with Southwest Florida art are especially encouraged to apply as are artists experienced in large scale installations.

Submission Options

Artists have the option to submit existing artwork that can be scaled and reproduced for the sake of this public mural project OR proposing new, custom artwork designed specifically for the Mercato.

Project Location

Mercato is located at the intersection of Tamiami Trail and Vanderbilt Beach Rd. in Naples, Florida.

Scope of Services

Artists may submit existing artwork or provide a custom proposal. If custom, site-specific work is to be considered, artists are expected to provide color sketches to scale that will accurately represent the final mural(s). Artists provide proposal concepts that accurately convey the work’s artistic intent, design, colors, materials, costs and production time.

Selected artists should be available to discuss works selected, site location and logistics of project development including delivery of final artwork. Artists represent and warrant that the artwork is solely the result of the artistic effort of the artists and is unique and original, except as otherwise disclosed in writing to the Mercato. If the artwork is one in a series of prints, photographs, or fabrications, or has been previously reproduced and accepted for sale elsewhere, the artists will notify the Mercato of this and the edition number of the piece within the series shall be disclosed in writing. The artists further warrant that the artwork does not infringe upon any copyright and is free and clear of any liens or claims from any source whatsoever.

Artist Selection

Artists will be selected by the Mercato review committee, which is comprised of Mercato Ownership, Mercato Marketing and Property Management Team as well as Graphics Professionals. Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Artistic excellence and originality as evidenced by representations of past work in photos provided and other supporting material.
  • Availability to participate in the design, approval and implementation of the project.

Please refrain from contacting the Mercato review committee to follow-up on the status of your submission. All finalists will be contacted in writing.

Artist Compensation

The commission for this project will be a modest honorarium. Minimum compensation requirements must be noted in the artist’s application.

Project Promotion

A public relations and social media campaign will announce each phase of the project. Once the Mercato Mural project is complete, artists will be invited to participate in a heavily publicized Art Walk event.

Application Requirements

Please submit the following materials as described below.

Artists may submit an application via US Mail on DVD or a flash drive or electronically through the www.Mercato.WeTransfer.com account.

All applications must be complete and must not direct to a URL.

  • One completed application form (attached)
  • 10 digital images TIFF File format

– 300 Minimum DPI

– Minimum dimensions 48” x 48”

– Annotated image list representative of artist’s work and concept for

project including title of each work, medium and year of completion.

– All files must be PC compatible.

  • Artist biography and resume

For custom proposals also include:

  • Letter of intent including initial artwork concepts or themes (fewer than 1,000 words).
  • Sketches of project concept for each proposed mural.

Review committee reserves the right to terminate this project during any stage of submission, selection and production.

Direct all submissions to:

The Mercato

ATTN: Art Review Committee

9115 Strada Place

Suite 5150

Naples, FL 34108

kate.colter@madisonmarquette.com

Clearly label the front of your package: “Art Review Committee”

About the Mercato

With a diverse customer base ranging from young families and upscale singles to visitors and retirees, The Mercato is the premier open air dining, nightlife, shopping and residential center in Naples, FL. The Mercato is well known through SW Florida for its fashionable nightlife and hosts multiple, popular music and art events. The Mercato has more than 20 upscale retailers, 12 restaurants and an 11-screen luxury cinema. From fine dining to swanky lounges and comfortable pubs, the Mercato offers an exceptional experience to each visitor. This mixed-use lifestyle center is anchored by Whole Foods and includes Capital Grille, Blue Martini and Silverspot Cinema, home of the Naples International Film Festival.

Click www.MercatoShops.com to view website or www.flickr.com/photos/mercatonaples to view additional photos.

Mercato Mural Project Application

Deadline for Submission: Postmarked or emailed no later than December 20, 2011

Artist Name_______________________________________________          Date_____________

Address________________________________________________________________________

City/State_______________________________________            Zip Code_________________

Email Address__________________________________________________________________

Telephone (Home/Office/Cell)___________________________________________________

To ensure your application is complete, please check off the following items as enclosed:

______  10 digital images (jpegs or PDFs no smaller than 4×6 and 300dpi) with

annotated image list representative of artist’s work and concept for

project. All files must be PC compatible.

______  Artist biography

______  Artist resume

______  Letter of intent

______  Sketches (optional unless artist is proposing new, custom work designed

expressly for Mercato)

Do you require a minimum compensation? ________

If yes, please explain. __________________________________________________________

Submit to:

The Mercato

ATTN: Art Review Committee

9115 Strada Place

Suite 5150

Naples, FL 34108

kate.colter@madisonmarquette.com