Seeking Artist(s): Saddle Hills County Fire Hall Mural

Are you, or do you know, a local artist who would be interested in creating a one-of-a-kind artwork depicting all there is to love about Saddle Hills County? We need you!

Saddle Hills County is inviting local artists to submit proposals to create original artwork for an outdoor mural on the Saddle Hills County Fire Hall, located in the Hamlet of Woking. The mural will be in the unique style of the artist within the theme of ‘The Wilderness is Our Back Yard’.

The mural would be placed on the side of the west side of the fire hall and would be approximately 12’ 6” x 37’ 6” in size. 

The commissioned artist(s) will be responsible for developing content and creating designs that incorporate some, or all, of the following elements:

• Nature
• Community and Connection
• Local History

Eligibility

Applicants for this opportunity must meet the following criteria:

• Must primarily live in Saddle Hills County. Artists from outside of Saddle Hills County may be considered, although resident artists will receive priority.
• Must be 17 years of age or older (students currently in Grade 11 will be considered).
• May be an artist or an artist team.

Proposed Timeline

The approximate timelines for the project are as follows:

• Call for Submissions: July 2, 2025
• Deadline for Proposals: July 31, 2025, 4 p.m.
• Evaluation and Recommendation: August 1-12, 2025
• Award of Contract: August 12, 2025
• Project Implementation: Fall 2025
• Completion of Contract: October 31, 2025

Budget & Considerations

The artist will be responsible for creating and submitting digital files or drawings of their art designs. The artist will be responsible for the creation and painting of the designs on the mural. 

Artists should be aware that the artwork is subject to damage by the elements/weather. The artwork would be located on a concrete surface on the west side of the fire hall, and proposals should take this into consideration. There is no overhang to protect from rain and snowfall. In the event of damage, Saddle Hills County would make every effort to re-engage the artist under a separate contract to correct damage or recreate areas.

The commissioned artist(s) should provide a quote as part of their proposal, which should include all materials, supplies, and installation costs. 50% will be paid upon being awarded the contract, with the remaining 50% on completion.

Artists would be expected to comply with all Occupational Safety and Health (OHS) regulations and follow a safety plan, reviewed and approved by Saddle Hills County.

At the time of the submission of its Proposal, the artist shall provide the following:

• Artist’s resume and up to five images or examples of previous work.
• Artist’s statement: a two-page maximum written statement of how the artist will explore the theme of ‘The Wilderness is Our Backyard’ and the elements defined by Council.
• Artist quote, budget and timeline, including all supplies and installation costs.
• Images of the proposed artwork, including renderings, concept sketches, applicable 3D visualizations, and any other related images.
• A safety plan for installation that complies with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, including all required equipment.
• Insurance Coverage, if available. 
• References.

For full details and to submit an application, please review the Request for Proposal. 

Deadline: July 31, 2025, at 4 p.m.

Should you have any questions regarding this RFP, please reach out to us at:

Saddle Hills County

Attention: Monica Rogers, Communications Coordinator

RR1, Spirit River, AB T0H 3G0

mrogers@saddlehills.ab.ca