Area Grant Opportunities

Coolidge Corner Arcade Building Public Mural Project:

 

Request for ProposalsProject DescriptionThe Arcade Building Coalition (ABC), in partnership with the Town of Brookline’s Small BusinessResilience Grant Program, is seeking proposals from qualified artists to create a vibrant andengaging public mural on the historic Coolidge Corner Arcade Building.About the Coolidge Corner Arcade BuildingBuilt in 1926 and now on the National Register of Historic Places, the Arcade Building reflects aperiod of commercial growth in Coolidge Corner. The Harvard St. facade has a distinctive lookwith a precast concrete frieze and Gothic spires and inside, there's a long, two-story skylitatrium lined with small shops on both levels. When completed, it was one of the first shoppingmalls in the United States, and today continues as a hub for small retailers and entrepreneurswhile fostering a sense of community within Coolidge Corner.A Welcoming and Diverse Coolidge CornerCoolidge Corner is renowned for its rich tapestry of cultures and ethnicities from its strong andvibrant Jewish community to the recent growth in new residents from Asian countries,particularly Japan, South Korea and China. This influx has enriched the neighborhood'scharacter, with a growing number of Asian-owned restaurants and shops adding to the vibrantmix of local businesses. The Arcade Building Coalition is committed to celebrating this diversity and ensuring Coolidge Corner remains a welcoming space for everyone.

 

Project Goals

● Create a visually captivating and long-lasting mural that reflects the unique character of the Arcade Building and Coolidge Corner.

● Celebrate the diversity of the Coolidge Corner community, particularly the recent influx of Asian residents and businesses.

● Promote and support local businesses by incorporating elements that showcase the variety of shops and restaurants within the neighborhood.

● Enhance the visual appeal of Coolidge Corner to visitors and residents entering theCoolidge Corner business district through the Centre Street lot.

● Foster a sense of community pride by creating a landmark that residents and visitorscan cherish.

 

Eligibility

This project is open to all artists, or artist teams, with a strong track record of creating high-quality public art. Artists from Brookline and those from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

 

Selection Committee

Proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of local stakeholders, including representatives from the Arcade Building Coalition, the Town of Brookline, and the greaterBoston arts community.

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Budget and Timeline

The total project budget is $40,000. This includes the artist's fee, materials, and any necessarypermits. The mural should be completed by May 30, 2025.The SiteThe designated mural space is located on the rear exterior wall of the Coolidge Corner ArcadeBuilding facing the Centre Street parking lot. The usable painting area is open to the full facadeof the Arcade and include approximately 850 square feet of metal panels permanently affixed tothe brick facade. The new art work will replace the existing trompe l’oeil piece that currentlyhangs on the building

 

Submission Requirements:

Interested artists are required to submit the following materials by September 15, 2024:

● Artist’s Statement (1-2 pages): Briefly describe your artistic background, experience with creating public murals, and your vision for the Coolidge Corner Arcade Building mural.

● Resume: Highlight relevant experience and qualifications.

● Portfolio (digital or printed): Include 5-10 high-resolution images of past mural projects or artwork that demonstrates your style and ability.

● References: Provide contact information for two professional references familiar with your work.

● Optional: Sketch Proposal (1 page): Submit a preliminary sketch or concept that reflects your proposed design for the Coolidge Corner Arcade Building mural. This is notmandatory, but can be helpful for the selection committee. Attached is an image of thebuilding facade with the area proposed for the work.Selection ProcessA shortlist of qualified artists will be contacted for interviews with the selection committee.Finalists may be asked to present a more detailed proposal, including a refined design concept,materials list, and project timeline. The selection committee will make its final decision based onthe artist’s qualifications, experience, proposed design, connection to Brookline community andability to meet the project goals and budget.

 

Timeline

● September 16, 2024: Application deadline for proposals.

● October 7, 2024: Shortlisted artists contacted for interviews.

● November 4, 2024: Finalists present detailed proposals.

● November 11, 2024: Artist selected and contract awarded.

● May 30, 2025: Project completion deadline

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We look forward to receiving your proposals and creating a beautiful and impactful muralthat celebrates the spirit of Coolidge Corner!Please submit all application materials to CoolidgeArcadeMural@gmail.comFor any questions, please contact Lucia Berman-Rossi at 857-919-1114 or CoolidgeArcadeMural@gmail.com.

 

Arcade Building Coalition:● Fire Opal● Leeder Management● Picture Place● Tiny Hanger