UTICA — Last month, Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri announced that reconstruction of the iconic “Sunburst” wall at Liberty Bell Park. Now, the city of Utica is seeking qualified artists to create a mural to complement the awesome platform Liberty Bell Park presents in Downtown Utica.

The city has budgeted $100,000 for the mural project.

Interested artists and teams should submit the following information via a flash drive to the Board of Contract and Supply, 1 Kennedy Plaza, by 3:15 p.m. Jan. 12:

• Artist/team member names and contact information.
• Resumes of artist/team members.
• Artist bio of 250 word maximum per artist/team member.
• Written narrative describing artistic vision and proposal.
• Sketches both as standalone artwork and superimposed on the wall.
• Examples of past completed work.
• Optional additional support materials.

References

A city public art committee will review submissions and award a $500 honorarium to as
many as five finalists. The following will be considered in the selection process:

Originality and creativity

• Pursuit of excellence in public art.
• Relationship to the site and how it will activate public space.
• Relevance to the city, its values, culture, and people.
• Evidence of ability to create large-scale, distinctive work.
• Proven ability to complete a project within budget and deadline.

Finalists selected will submit their final proposals for public review and selection. The public
will consider the finalists’ submissions and vote for their preference during an open public
voting period.

The city welcomes all proposals for the mural site including the recreation of the current “Sunburst” mural or alternative concepts.

The city anticipates completion by fall 2023.

“We’re hoping this project attracts some of the most talented artists this area has ever hosted,” said Palmieri. “The goal is to make a mural that stands up to the best murals in the world and creates memories and an identity for Utica that outlasts us all. I look forward to seeing what the artists come up with.”

The wall being restored is part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and is funded through New York State (DRI) and Municipal Facilities Grant.