Introduction
Port Discovery Children’s Museum invites local artists to submit a proposal to create a large-scale mural that aims to reimagine a highly visible empty wall within the Atrium building of the Museum. The Atrium is a 10,000 square foot, basic multipurpose space that is used for a variety of programming and special event. The mural project aims to provide an engaging and creative backdrop that will enliven the space for the next three to five years 2024 is an especially momentous time for Port Discovery, as the Museum celebrates its 25th Anniversary. The 25th Anniversary Celebration will kick-off on January with a special media event, then be the storyline throughout 2024 with planned activities such as monthly themed educational weekends, public outreach campaigns, special events, and a summer community party. Creation of this mural is one of several signature elements that will highlight the anniversary campaign.
About the Commission:
- Wall space available for the mural: 22’ x 135’ – which is bisected by exposed beams and piping approximately every 30’ which may also be painted
- Theme: Regional and local nature, parks, garden, flora and fauna, the environment; Maryland’s varied landscape – rolling hills, fields, the Bay and waterways, marshlands, mountains; Bright, natural, colorful shapes and designs.
- Notes on the space: The Atrium receives ample natural light from east and west-facing windows + glass roof. The wall should be treated like an exterior wall that could weather the elements.
Mural Goals:
- To integrate more artworks in the Museum space.
- Deepen Port Discovery’s engagement with Baltimore’s artist community.
- Offer a unique, nontraditional exhibit opportunity for local artists.
- Invite Port Discovery’s audience to contemplate and examine works of creative expression.
- Nurture the next generation of museum going audiences.
- To enhance an underutilized area of the Museum.
Timeline:
December 18, 2023- Application period is open
January 2, 2024 @ 5pm- Information session at Port Discovery
January 8, 2024 @9am- Information session at Port Discovery
January 21, 2024- Application deadline
January 22 202- Application review
Early February 2024- Notification
March 1 – 22, 2024- Mural installation/painting
March 22 2024- Mural completion deadline
Program Eligibility and Benefits:
Artists (or artist duos or teams) 18 years or older are encouraged to apply. Port Discovery values diversity in age, gender, ethnicity and gender expression as well as diversity of style.
If selected to participate, artists will receive:
- $15,000 Artist stipend
- Up to $5,000 for supplies with provided receipts
- Installation support from Port Discovery’s Exhibits staff
- Recognition in all publicity and communications about the mural
- Identifying placard with artist information located near the mural
Information Sessions:
All artists are encouraged to attend one of the two information sessions that will take place at the Museum. The information session will include a walk-through of the Atrium space to review the proposed mural wall and to become acquainted with how the visitors use and experience the Museum.
Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 @ 5pm
Monday, January 8th, 2024 @ 9am
Both sessions will take place at Port Discovery Children’s Museum, 35 Market Place, Baltimore 21202. Meet in the box office entrance of the Museum. RSVPs are encouraged: hmyers@portdiscovery.org.
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed by the museum’s Leadership Team and Director of Exhibits and Facilities. Selection will be based on:
- The professional capabilities of the applicant as demonstrated through documentation of prior work and experience.
- Best fit of proposed mural to the content of the Museum’s message and mission.
- The theme and content of the proposed work.
AEP Application consists of the following:
A complete proposal package consists of the following:
Proposal Narrative (1 page)
- Your full contact information, website, and social media handles
- Introduce yourself as an artist and provide a short biography.
- Why are you interested in this opportunity?
- How are you/your work a good fit for Port Discovery Children’s Museum?
- OPTIONAL: There may be an opportunity to present an art workshop in the Museum’s Studio Workshop. If interested in this opportunity, please share any idea(s) you may have for a family-friendly activity.
Mural description (2 pages)
- Describe the design and themes of your proposed mural.
- Include preliminary sketches, along with dimensions and any installation requirements.
Resumé (2 page limit)
Past Artwork Samples – select one of the following:
- A PDF or slide show with a maximum of 10 images.
- A PDF or slide show combination with a maximum of 5 images + up to 2 minutes of video, sound, or animation.
Applications must be received by 11:59 pm on January 21st, 2024.
Submit your application by email to: hmyers@portdiscovery.org
About Port Discovery
The mission of Port Discovery Children’s Museum is to provide unique opportunities and high-quality experiences that make play accessible, educational, and fun for all. Our work is driven by the vision to foster joy, connections, laughter, and learning through purposeful play. We believe in a world where the value of learning through play is recognized and respected, backed by the science that demonstrates the power of play to transform the lives of children (and their families).
Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor since 1998, Port Discovery has served over 5 million visitors as one of the mid-Atlantic’s leading children’s museums. Our core programming includes exhibits and creative activities in our 80,000 square foot museum, access programs for students and low-income families, educational programs and workshops for local school districts, and two generational programming for parents and early childhood educators. On average, the Museum sees 225,000 annual visitors, which includes families, teachers, and students; and its reach includes 22,000+ email subscribers, over 2,200 museum members, and social media audience of approximately 25,000. Over 60% of students who come to Port Discovery on a field trip represent Title I schools. Our geographic reach extends across the region and state, with nearly 60% of our visitors coming from Baltimore City and the surrounding counties, 35% from across Maryland, and the remainder from out of state.