Be a part of the legacy of art that continues to distinguish Ferndale.
Thank you for your interest in the Downtown Mural Program. The application period for 2023 is closed, and the advisory committee is currently reviewing over 50 artist applications. We hope to make selection announcements in early May, 2023. Please send any other questions to [email protected].
2023 Timeline
• Application Announcement: Feb 18, 2023 COMPLETE
• Application Deadline: March 13, 2023 COMPLETE
• Advisory Committee Review: April
• Announcement of Selections: May
• Art Installation Deadline: Late September
Downtown Ferndale is launching an annual program to fund the creation of murals on public or private property. Each year will have a theme, and an advisory committee will make selections to curate a diverse set of styles and artists. Murals can be a way to add character and personality to an urban environment, making it more interesting and unique. They can celebrate history, express the values of a community, and just make spaces more inviting to hang out in.
Who can apply?
1. Artists
2. Property Owners (can include non-profit and government organizations)
If a property owner has an artist in mind, that’s great, but we are happy to play matchmaker too. Read more about our program below or download our program manual for full details.
Documents
Artist Application
Property Owner Application
Downtown Mural Program Overview
On this Page
2023 Theme
Program Contact
Requirements for Artists and Property Owners
Scoring Criteria
Funding Partners
2023 Theme – You Belong Here
Belonging in Downtown Ferndale can mean different things to different people. We encourage artists to search for inspiration in the theme in whatever way it speaks to them.
The Ferndale DDA is proud to be part of a city which has received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index for inclusive policies by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the Equality Federation Institute. Learn more here.
In June 2020, the Ferndale DDA also formally supported the City of Ferndale’s ‘Declaration of Commitment to Antiracism’. Together, we pledged to use the moment as a learning opportunity. We pledged to evaluate what we could be doing differently in identifying racism and promoting a culture of openness, equity, and justice in our community. Discrimination in any form threatens this effort and undermines the vision that the Ferndale DDA has for our downtown.
Program Contact
Sommer Realy
DDA Engagement Manager
[email protected]
248-546-1632
Requirements for Artists and Property Owners
For full details, please review the Downtown Mural Program Overview
ARTIST/ART REQUIREMENTS:
-All art must be durable for the outdoors
-Selected media must ensure mural longevity and durability
-Artist’s will be responsible for all materials required and transportation expense
-Artist must agree to make reasonable efforts to preserve the mural for a minimum of five years
-Artist must be insured and supply a copy of insurance at time of project installation
-Artist must provide a scope of work which includes preparation, installation, and quality inspections, which ensures the safety of painters and the public, and does not impede public access. If the safety plan submitted is not being adhered to, and the DDA or City of Ferndale identifies a safety risk to either the artist and/or the public, the DDA or the City of Ferndale have the right to stop work until such time that safety issues or concerns are addressed by the artist
LOCATION/BUILDING OWNER REQUIREMENTS:
-Location must be within the DDA District, with strong preference give to the TIF District boundary of the Ferndale DDA – MAP HERE
-Property owner and/or business owner at location must agree to prepare area for installation
-Property owner must agree to transfer license agreement to new property owner, in the event property ownership changes
-Property owner must agree to make reasonable efforts to preserve the mural for a minimum of five years
-Property owner and business owner be engaged throughout the installation and completion process to ensure requirements and expectations are met
-Property owner must agree to complete a sign permit prior to installation ($50 fee associated)
Polycromatic Super You by artist Joey Salamon Photo credit: Royce Lasalle Redmond Location: Withington Alley between Withington parking lot and West Nine Mile Road 
Polycromatic Super You by artist Joey Salamon Photo credit: Royce Lasalle Redmond Location: Withington Alley between Withington parking lot and West Nine Mile Road 
Fantastic Ferndale by artist Daniel Cascardo. Location – Rainbow Alley between West Troy and West Nine Mile 
Rainbow crosswalk on West Nine Mile Road 
Mural by artist Mike Ross Location: The dot parking structure at 221 West Troy Street 
Mural by artist Mike Ross Location: The dot parking structure at 221 West Troy Street 
Mural at Urbanrest Downtown by artist Jason Garia 
Mural at Found Sound by artist Jimbo Easter 
Mural at Blumz… by JRDesigns
Selection Criteria – Art
For full details, please review the Downtown Mural Program Overview
Factors to be considered by the Downtown Ferndale Mural Program Advisory Committee when making selections for artwork shall include, but not be limited to the following: (final authorization will be made by the DDA Executive Director)
ARTISTIC QUALITY: The artist(s) proposal includes a concept, vision and examples of craftsmanship represented in existing artwork. Exploratory types of work as well as established art forms shall be encouraged.
LOCATION: The mural concept and site are appropriate in scale, materials, form, and content for the immediate, general, social, and physical environments with which they are to relate.
DIVERSITY: The advisory committee shall seek concepts from artists of diverse racial, gender, and cultural identities. The program also shall strive for diversity to style, scale, media, and numbers of artists represented.
FEASIBILITY: Proposals shall be evaluated relative to their feasibility and convincing evidence of the artist’s ability to successfully complete the concept as proposed. Factors to be considered include, but are not limited to, project, timeline, artist’s experience, and represent qualifications associated to the theme.
DUPLICATION: Artists are required to warrant that artwork is their own original, unique design and an edition of one or part of a limited edition, and to warrant artwork is not infringing on copyrighted materials. Logos, advertisements, or any kind of commercial signage will not be accepted.
PERMANENCE: Uses high quality materials that will last a minimum of five years, and are resistant to weather and ultraviolet deterioration.
Selection Criteria – Locations
For full details, please review the Downtown Mural Program Overview
Factors to be considered by the Downtown Ferndale Mural Program Advisory Committee when making selections for sites shall include, but not be limited to the following: (final authorization will be made by the DDA Executive Director)
VISIBILTY: Sites which are highly visible to the public will be given preference.
ACTIVATION OF UNDERUTILIZED PEDESTRIAN SPACES: Placemaking and space activation are key goals for the Ferndale DDA. Artwork that serves to encourage activity in pedestrian spaces will be given preference.
VARIETY OF SITE SELECTION: The advisory committee will strive to select locations across downtown, benefiting as many businesses as possible.
SAFETY: Locations that may benefit from activation to address safety or security concerns will be given preference.
PERMANENCE: Site is conducive to a mural that will last a minimum of five years, and are resistant to weather and ultraviolet deterioration.
Questions?
Contact Sommer Realy
[email protected]
248-546-1632
For full program details, please review the Downtown Mural Program Overview
Funding for this program provided by:
