Request for Proposals

Request for Proposals (RFP)
Outdoor Community Mural Project – Hobb Building, Oberlin, OH
Issued By: Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA)
Funded By: City of Oberlin
Project Location: South Side of the Hobb Building, 51–63 South Main Street, Oberlin, OH

Introduction

Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA) is seeking proposals from experienced mural artists to create a historically inspired, vibrant outdoor mural on the south-facing wall of the Hobb Building in downtown Oberlin. This project will celebrate the rich architectural and cultural history of Oberlin while visually enhancing a prominent community space.

Project Details

• Location: South side of the Hobb Building (near UPS entrance), 51–63 S. Main Street, Oberlin, OH
• Wall Specifications: Up to 13 feet high by 23 feet wide; historic brick surface (preference of mural to be affixed using non-invasive billboard-style material)
• Theme: Historically inspired design showcasing Oberlin’s past — including early Main Street, silent movie era, vintage transportation, and architectural heritage
• Preferred Style: Colorful, imaginative, possibly with a theatre curtain motif or 3D/textural elements; the mural should bring history to life, not resemble an old postcard
• Materials: Weather-resistant and suitable for long-term exterior display; printed or painted on vinyl or billboard-grade material to protect original brickwork

Project Timeline

• RFP Issued: April 25, 2025
• Proposal Submission Deadline: June 16, 2025
• Artist Selection: June 30, 2025
• Project Start Date: Summer 2025
• Completion Deadline: Fall 2025

Budget

• Total Project Budget: up to $18,000
• Includes all artist fees, materials, fabrication, installation, insurance, and incidental costs

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Artistic merit and alignment with project theme
• Artist’s experience and qualifications
• Feasibility and clarity of the budget and timeline
• Quality of past work
• Long-term sustainability of materials and design

Selection Process

A selection panel composed of community members, art professionals, and building owners will review submissions. Shortlisted artists may be contacted for an interview or to provide additional materials.

Maintenance

The selected artist will be asked to provide a maintenance plan to ensure the mural’s long-term preservation.

Contractual Agreement

The selected artist will be required to sign a contract with FAVA outlining:

• Project scope and timeline
• Insurance and liability requirements
• Intellectual property terms