Call for artists: Downtown Farmington seeks mural for exterior of historic Civic Theater

Location. Location. Location.

It just might be the most prestigious location for public art in downtown Farmington. The city’s Downtown Development Authority has issued a call for artists to paint a mural that will adorn the historic Farmington Civic Theater.

The mural will be painted on the east-facing external wall of the building.

All Michigan-based artists are invited to apply for the Farmington Civic Theater Mural Project. The deadline for proposals is Monday, July 1.

Applications can be found online.

The request for a mural leads up to the theater’s 80th anniversary in 2020. Applying artists should take into account 80 Years of Cinema, incorporating imagery that evokes that theme.

According to the DDA, artists can pitch both literal and abstract interpretations of the theater and theme. The important thing is to celebrate the downtown landmark.

Artists can submit up to two proposals. The winner receives a $2,500 stipend.

The call for a mural follows downtown Farmington’s commitment to public art. A Public Art Blueprint was finalized in April 2017. The DDA created a public art committee in the beginning of 2018.

Notable public art works installed since then have included the David Barr Sculpture Exhibit in Riley Park and John Martin’s Welcome to Farmington mural on Farmington Road.

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MJ Galbraith is a writer and musician living in Detroit. Follow him on Twitter @mikegalbraith.