Request for Proposals (RFP)

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Triangle Park Café Mural Project - Lexington, KY

Project Description

LexArts and Triangle Park invite professional artists and artist-led teams to submit qualifications and proposals for a public art mural commission at the Triangle Park Café in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. The selected artist will create a site-specific mural that enhances the visual appeal of the café structure while contributing to the vibrancy and cultural identity of downtown Lexington.

This commission represents an opportunity to create a highly visible public artwork within one of Lexington's signature downtown gathering spaces. The project seeks an artist capable of producing a dynamic and engaging mural that welcomes visitors and reflects the energy of the community.

This call is open to Kentucky artists with experience in mural creation and public art projects.

Project Vision

The Triangle Park Café Mural Project seeks to commission a high-quality exterior mural that:

Enhances the visual presence of the Triangle Park Café
Creates an inviting and memorable experience for visitors
Celebrates Lexington's creativity, culture, and sense of place
Activates public space through engaging artwork
Demonstrates artistic excellence and technical skill

Project Site

The project site consists of:

Two end walls measuring approximately 20 feet × 10 feet
One lower front façade strip measuring approximately 3 feet × 30 feet
Potential additional mural opportunities subject to stakeholder approval and site conditions
The total estimated mural surface is approximately 500 square feet.

The selected artist will be expected to develop a site-responsive design that considers:

Architectural features of the structure
Visibility from surrounding pedestrian pathways
Durability in exterior conditions
Maintenance requirements
Public safety and accessibility
Site photographs and measurements will be provided to finalists.

Budget

The anticipated implementation budget is approximately $15,000. This budget is intended to cover all costs associated with the artwork, including but not limited to:

Artist fees
Design development
Materials
Surface preparation
Equipment rental
Transportation
Installation
Insurance
Documentation

Application Guidelines

A one-page artist statement describing public art experience and interest in the project (optional but encouraged)
A current resume (required)
Up to 6 digital images of past murals with description of size, budget, year completed, location
Up to 3 design concepts

Eligibility

We are committed to a policy of providing opportunities to people regardless of economic or social status, and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or physical disability. Any artist may apply.

Selection Process

The submitted qualifications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of Triangle Foundation representatives. The committee will identify three artists as semi-finalists, who will be contracted to produce a site-specific design. One artist will be selected for the mural commission.

Critical Selection Factors

Artistic distinction
Experience creating high-quality large-scale murals
Central Kentucky Residency

Project Timeline (Timeline subject to change)

Milestone	Date
RFP Released	August 8, 2026
Submission Deadline	September 15, 2026
Artist Selection & Artwork Creation Begins	The selection committee will contact finalist(s) to determine timeline

Submission Instructions

All application materials must be submitted electronically to LexArts.

Submission Deadline: September 15, 2026, 11:59 PM EST

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

About the Partners

- Triangle Park

Triangle Park is a prominent public space located in the heart of downtown Lexington, serving as a gathering place for residents, workers, and visitors.

- LexArts

LexArts is Lexington's local arts agency and United Arts Fund, supporting and advancing the arts through grantmaking, public art initiatives, artist opportunities, and community engagement.

Questions

Questions regarding this RFP may be directed to:

LexArts Attn: Nathan Zamarron

Email: nzamarron@lexarts.org

Artist Contact Information
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Artist(s) website:
Artist(s) social media handles:
About the Artist
1. Please attach a short artist biography:
Up to 250 Words
2. Please attach an artist statement describing public art experience and interest in the project.
3. Please attach a current resume.

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Relevant Experience
Applicants may submit up to three existing pieces of artwork.
- 1: Title
- 1: Image and description, with dimensions, of proposed sculpture.
  
  (May submit up to 3) png, jpeg
  Cancelof
- 1: Please type or paste a short description. Describe the concept, theme, and any central ideas.
  (500 words or less)
- 1: Mediums/Disciplines Represented (Watercolor, Bronze, Stone, etc.)
- 1: Dimensions:
- 2: Title
- 2: Image and description, with dimensions, of proposed sculpture.
  
  (May submit up to 3) png, jpeg
  Cancelof
- 2: Please type or paste a short description. Describe the concept, theme, and any central ideas.
  (500 words or less)
- 2: Mediums/Disciplines Represented (Watercolor, Bronze, Stone, etc.)
- 2: Dimensions:
- 3: Title
- 3: Image and description, with dimensions, of proposed sculpture.
  
  Cancelof
- 3: Please type or paste a short description. Describe the concept, theme, and any central ideas.
- 3: Mediums/Disciplines Represented (Watercolor, Bronze, Stone, etc.)
- 3: Dimensions:
- Artwork Proposals
- Applicants may submit up to three proposed pieces of artwork for consideration.
- 1: Title
- 1: Image and description, with dimensions, of proposed sculpture.
  
  (May submit up to 3) png, jpeg
  Cancelof
- 1: Please type or paste a short description. Describe the concept, theme, and any central ideas.
  (500 words or less)
- 1: Mediums/Disciplines Represented (Watercolor, Bronze, Stone, etc.):
- 1: Dimensions:
- 1: Please list any special equipment, materials, or installation requirements involved:
- 2: Title
- 2: Image and description, with dimensions, of proposed/existing sculpture.
  
  (May submit up to 3) png, jpeg
  Cancelof
- 2: Please type or paste a short description. Describe the concept, theme, and any central ideas.
  (500 words or less)
- 2: Mediums/Disciplines Represented (Watercolor, Bronze, Stone, etc.):
- 2: Dimensions:
- 2: Please list any special equipment, materials, or installation requirements involved:
- 3: Title
- 3: Image and description, with dimensions, of proposed/existing sculpture.
  
  (May submit up to 3) png, jpeg
  Cancelof
- 3: Please type or paste a short description. Describe the concept, theme, and any central ideas.
  (500 words or less)
- 3: Mediums/Disciplines Represented (Watercolor, Bronze, Stone, etc.):
- 3: Dimensions:
- 3: Please list any special equipment, materials, or installation requirements involved:
- LexArts collects optional demographic information to better understand and serve our community, ensure equitable access to opportunities, and meet grant reporting requirements. Your responses help us advocate for artists and curators in Central Kentucky and beyond. All questions are optional, and your individual information will remain confidential.
- Describe the racial/ethnic identity(s) of proposed artist(s). (Select all that apply.):
  
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Artist Contact Information

About the Artist

Relevant Experience

Artwork Proposals