The City of Mauldin is now accepting proposals from South Carolina-based visual artists for the 2024 Mauldin Public Art Trail installation at the Mauldin Cultural Center. The proposal deadline is Sept. 25 at 5 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Soaring Energy,” which was selected to express that the pulse of the Mauldin community is strong and steady, like the beat of a drum, and with everything working in harmony, the City is poised for liftoff. Artists’ proposals should reflect this specific theme.
“A sign of a city’s health is the importance it places on art and culture, and over the past nine years, the City of Mauldin has made significant investments in both,” said Taft Matney, chair of City Council’s Economic Planning and Development Committee and Mayor Pro Tempore. “The Mauldin Public Art Trail doesn’t only draw residents and visitors alike to understand the city’s cultural environment, it also allows those visitors to look at each piece as a snapshot of time when the piece was designed, crafted and installed. ‘Soaring Energy’ will capture a part of Mauldin when economic development was on the edge of transforming the city from a bedroom community to a destination.”
The City has opened up a Request for Proposal for interested artists; the RFP and application are available at www.mauldinculturalcenter.org/public-art-trail.
Artists must be residents of South Carolina during the duration of the project. Following the proposal submission deadline of Sept. 25, the selection committee will choose two finalists, who will be asked to develop conceptual designs. The final artist will be chosen by Dec. 5, 2023, at which point a contract will be issued and fabrication can begin. The total budget for the annual program is not to exceed $15,000 and must be inclusive of fabrication, artist fees and installation.
The project is expected to be completed and installed in April 2024.
Background
The Mauldin Public Art Trail was created in December 2014 to beautify the Mauldin community with public art displays created by South Carolina artists. The trail lines the perimeter of the outdoor amphitheater at the Mauldin Cultural Center, featuring unique art installations based on previous themes including “Heroes and Leaders,” “Youth: Passion for Change,” “Industry of the Upstate,” “Appreciation of Diversity,” “South Carolina Strong” and “Crossroads.”
For more information about the Mauldin Public Art Trail, visit www.mauldinculturalcenter.org/public-art-trail.
