2025 StreetSpark Application - Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

RFQ Deadline: December 7, 2025

StreetSpark seeks artists to design and paint two large-scale murals in Hamilton, Ohio during the summer of 2026. Artists should have experience in mural design, mural execution and team management. Applications include a two-phase design process beginning with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) followed by a Request for Proposals (RFP) for selected semifinalists at a later date. The selected designer for each site will paint their mural and be involved with supply ordering and project planning. The StreetSpark program manages wall preparation, equipment rental, make supply purchases and hire a team of supporting artists to assist the lead artist.

About the program: StreetSpark, a public art program in partnership with the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, the City of Hamilton, and the Hamilton Community Foundation was founded to further the creative identity in Hamilton, Ohio through exciting murals and public art projects. The program creates engagement by producing high quality art, providing opportunities for local artists and enhancing the visual appeal of the city. Since the summer of 2016, StreetSpark artists have created 21 large-scale murals and painted 17 utility boxes in a variety of styles. Each year the StreetSpark selection committee of local arts professionals, partners and community members evaluates applications and helps to award the winning designs.

• Artists and designers age 18 and up of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• Applying artists should have experience in mural design, mural creation and team management. If artists do not have required mural experience, they may apply as a supporting artist in a later application (to be released in early 2026 at www.fittoncenter.org/streetspark).
• All travel and lodging expenses must be covered by the artist.

REQUIRED ITEMS

• ARTWORK EXAMPLES - Five high-quality JPEG or PNG images (mural and painting examples preferred, no 3-D or sculpture work)
• CURRENT RESUME/CV
• ARTIST LETTER OF INTENT - 150-200 word description of your design approach including style and content for this wall and how your design adds value to this space

SELECTION CRITERIA

Semi-final artists will be chosen based on the following criteria:

• QUALITY OF ARTWORK - high quality examples that demonstrate mastery in murals and painting
• ART & DESIGN EXPERIENCE - mural experience, relevant training/education
• LETTER OF INTENT - 150-200 word description about design intent for chosen wall

TIMELINE

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Released	November 3, 2025
RFQ Deadline	December 7, 2025
Semi-Finalist artists notified	Week of January 5, 2026
RFP designs due from semi-final artists	February 8, 2026
Final designs selected, artists notified	March 2026
Murals created	Summer 2026

MURAL 1 - MEYER BROTHERS & SONS

Location: 720 Maple Ave. Hamilton, Ohio 45011 (corner of Maple and 7th Streets)

About the Neighborhood: This mural wall is located next to the Meyer Brothers & Sons building at a key entry point into Hamilton’s Jefferson neighborhood, one of the city’s most historically rich and culturally diverse areas. Once a thriving industrial district and an enclave for Italian immigrants, Jefferson has evolved into a lively, close-knit community now home to many Hispanic families and a variety of small, family-owned businesses, such as Garcia's Supermarket. The neighborhood is known for its strong sense of identity and community pride, reflected in local gathering places such as Jefferson Park and the Living Waters Ministry building—both sites of previous public art projects. As one of the gateways into the neighborhood, this mural site offers high visibility and the opportunity to celebrate Jefferson’s heritage, diversity, and ongoing story of revitalization within the city of Hamilton.

About the Building & Site:
The Meyer Brothers & Sons building stands on a site with deep historical roots tied to Hamilton’s early industrial growth. In the 1800s, this area was part of the Hamilton Basin, an extension of the Miami and Erie Canal that helped establish the city as a major regional shipping hub. By the late 19th century, the basin was replaced by rail lines, and the property became home to the Pennsylvania Railroad Freight Depot, later expanded in the 1920s. Following decades of industrial use, the site transitioned into a scrap yard before sitting vacant for more than fifteen years. In 2023, Meyer Brothers & Sons, a local family owned & operated residential design & build firm, acquired the property next door to this location and undertook a thoughtful restoration—preserving key elements of the historic structure while adapting it for modern use. Their investment not only revived a long-dormant building but also helped reenergize a site that has been central to Hamilton’s industrial and cultural evolution for nearly two centuries.

The wall is about 118 feet wide x 14 feet tall, approximately 1,650 square feet

Estimated time to complete this mural is 12 days (about 2-3 weeks) with four total artists

MURAL 2 - PFEFFERLE TIRE & AUTO

Location: 990 Main St. Hamilton, Ohio 45013

About the Area: This mural wall is located along one of Hamilton’s busiest commercial corridors, where historic storefronts, local restaurants, retail shops, and service businesses create a vibrant and active streetscape. Main Street serves as a primary east–west connector through the city, carrying both consistent vehicle traffic and steady pedestrian activity throughout the day. The site sits just a few blocks from Highland Elementary School, meaning the area sees regular foot traffic from families and students, in addition to nearby residents and commuters. This corridor is a gateway into Hamilton’s downtown and is surrounded by a mix of small businesses, public art installations, and community gathering spots—making it a highly visible, high-impact location for a mural that can serve as both a neighborhood landmark and an expression of the city’s creative energy.

About Pfefferle Tire: At Pfefferle Tire and Automotive Service, our mission is to provide quick, reliable service at an affordable price. We are committed to excellence in customer service as well as automotive service. We value our long-lasting relationships with our customers, employees and our suppliers. By using the latest technology in the automotive service industry, there is rarely a problem that we cannot solve. We hold ourselves to the highest levels of honesty and integrity to earn and sustain your trust in us as a loyal customer. Our main services include but are not limited to: oil changes, new tires, and full-service auto repair including brakes, steering and suspension, alignments, computer diagnostics, complete engine and transmission replacements.

Please note: Although there is no regular parking in front of this mural wall, there will occasionally be service vehicles blocking the lower portion of the wall.

The wall is about 21 feet tall x 33.5 feet wide, approximately 700 square feet

Estimated time to complete this mural is 6 days (about 1-2 weeks) with three total artists

 

• For each location, three selected semifinal artists will be paid $500 each to develop design proposals.
• The designs will then be scored and reviewed by the StreetSpark Selection Committee, a group of area artists, partners and community members.
• The committee selects a final artist for each site and awards an additional design stipend of $1,000. 
• The artist selected for each site will also be hired to create the mural with a team of supporting artists during the summer of 2026. 
• Additional budget will be managed by the StreetSpark program to order equipment, supplies, complete wall preparation and pay supporting artists.

Please upload no less than 5 examples of your artwork. Please include mural and painting examples; no 3D or sculpture examples. High quality photos only.

Please upload a 150-200 word letter of intent (Word or PDF). Describe your design approach for the wall including style and content. How will your design concept add value to the space?

Please be sure to select SUBMIT or SAVE before exiting your application.

 

If you have any questions, please email Jenn Acus-Smith at streetsparkart@gmail.com.