Nelson and District Arts Council (NDAC) announce a call for artists for the Nelson International Mural Festival. Travel to the stunning mountains and lakes of the Kootenays. Up to 10 artists are chosen annually to paint large scale murals throughout the alleyways of historic downtown Nelson, BC, Canada.
Click here for the application / registration
Deadline: 31 Jan 2020
Cultural vibrancy in Nelson continues to flourish under the festival’s engagement of street artists, muralists, creators, and art enthusiasts joining the festival from the local, national, and international art scene. Through large scale public artworks, educational opportunities, and by animating the public sphere with reflections of local cultures, histories, and stories, the NDAC furthers and fortifies collaboration among artists, businesses, and community members. The festival is inclusive of all cultures, genders, ages, and abilities.
Walls are selected with the following considerations: accessibility for artists, size, composition, exposure, and funding availability (however funding is not necessarily a barrier). Both private and public walls are included in the festival. In the case of privately-owned walls, the building owners are given the opportunity during the application process to indicate the artistic styles they are enthusiastic about. Matches are made between artists and walls based off those suggestions. Building owners will have one opportunity to consult with the artist for a draft alteration. If a collaboration cannot be reached, the artist will still be paid their design fee. No gratuitous violence, racism, or hateful content is permitted and the mural shall not include any business signage or logos, advertising, political or religious messages.
Nelson International Mural Festival Selection Process
Artists will be selected by a 5 member arm’s length jury who represent a cross section of interests in the community (business, arts, and tourism). Their primary considerations are artistic merit of portfolio, large scale work experience, and design skills/composition. Selections will be based off of previous work and portfolios. Successful applicants will be contacted before June 15th, 2020. Due to capacity limitations, we are only able to contact successful applicants.
Selected artists will be sent a contract for perusal. Once signed, the artists will be given two weeks to provide a rough sketch, a proposed colour scheme, a bio, and a headshot. Upon receiving these items, a 10% design fee will be paid. Artists will then coordinate their painting schedule and paint/supply order with the festival coordinator. It is imperative that artists stick to the painting schedules that are agreed upon. The festival is located in a small community with limited resources that need to be booked well in advance.
Artists must be available to attend the festival opening on Friday, August 14th, 2020, and the artist panel on Sunday, August 16th, 2020. There will also be opportunities to host all ages workshops for additional fees. The painting will take place between June 15th-August 14th. Selected artists will be scheduled to paint based off of their availability and proximity to Nelson.
Nelson International Mural Festival Artist Benefits
All artists are paid fairly for their participation in the festival. All supplies and equipment are provided by the festival. Once a muralist is selected for the festival, the artist will be paid to complete a detailed drawing/design. Each artist will be compensated based on the size and scope of their mural. $2500-$3500 CAD budget per mural for artist fees, this will vary project to project. Payment will be received upon the successful and timely completion of the mural.
The Nelson International Mural Festival is unable to provide assistance with travel for the majority of our artists; however, we make every effort to assist with billeting arrangements for visiting artists.
Social Equity
The NDAC strives to create a barrier-free festival. They host all events at accessible public spaces and offering all events and activities free of charge. The mural festival provides a platform for all voices to be heard through public art. The festival is committed to diverse programming. They work to ensure that varied cultures are represented annually, so as to provide inspiration to all who attend, not just one group. Bringing art out of the galleries and into the streets provides everyone the chance to experience the pieces, not just those that can afford an admission ticket.
About Nelson and District Arts Council
The Nelson and District Arts Council (NDAC) is a registered non-profit organization that was formed in 1969 as the Kootenay-Columbia Arts Council.
All the Board Members are volunteers who are committed to promoting and encouraging cultural and artistic activities in the community through successfully accessing funds for projects.
NDAC has individual and group members who all participate in art and culture related activities. Members represent such disciplines as theatre, music, dance, visual arts, crafts, heritage, and writing.
NDAC presents a number of projects each year intended to foster the arts in Nelson and District. They include the Nelson ArtWalk, Hidden Creek Artist Residency, Appetite for Art, the Dance Educator’s Showcase, the Rural Artist Support Weekend, the Nelson International Mural Festival, and Bigby Place Arts Initiative.
Fostering communication, networking, and providing support to members is one of NDAC’s main objectives. In addition, members and member groups are eligible through us for small funding awards from the B.C. Arts Council.
Advocacy, representation, and education are all important in fostering greater appreciation and support of arts and culture in the Nelson area. NDAC has a seat on the Cultural Development Committee for the City of Nelson. They work toward a more coordinated arts, culture, and heritage community.
The region is famous for it’s “Kootenay Culture,” that runs through the arts, heritage, and people of the region. They are proud to support arts and culture in the Kootenays.
For more information, contact info@ndac.ca.