Request for Proposals
Mural Design, Fabrication, and Installation
Introduction
Collingswood Partners is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion, revitalization, and economic
development of the Borough of Collingswood’s downtown district. Collingswood Partners works
collaboratively with the Borough, local businesses, and community stakeholders to enhance public
spaces, support local commerce, and foster a vibrant, inclusive downtown environment.
Collingswood Partners, in collaboration with the Borough, is seeking proposals from experienced artists or
artist teams for the design, fabrication, and installation of a public mural at the new Pocket Park in
downtown Collingswood, located at the corner of Haddon and Woodlawn Avenues.
This project aims to enhance the vibrancy of our downtown, create a welcoming and visually engaging
atmosphere, and provide a unique photo opportunity that will attract both residents and visitors. The mural
will serve as a key element of the new third space, a dynamic and inclusive public area designed to foster
community interaction while enriching the local social and cultural fabric. By integrating art into public
spaces, we strive to drive increased downtown activity, tourism, and economic development. Public art
installations and third spaces like the new Pocket Park are proven to stimulate foot traffic, encourage
longer visits, and promote spending at local businesses. In turn, this will help further Collingswood’s
position as a sought-after destination for regional tourism, shopping, and dining.
Collingswood Partners strongly encourage collaboration between multiple artists, especially those with
ties to the Collingswood community and the broader South Jersey region.
Site Specifications
We are seeking an experienced mural artist or artist team to design, create, and install one mural on an exterior
wall within the new pocket park.
Artists should plan for on-site fabrication and installation. The proposal should include all costs associated with
the artist fee, site preparation (as defined below), supplies and materials, any travel-related expenses, and
associated costs.
The mural will be located on a prominent wall within the pocket park. The dimensions of the mural area shall be
approximately 14 feet wide by a minimum of 15 feet tall (can expand up total wall height). Artists should propose
a mural installation that makes the most impactful use of this space. Surface repair and/or preparation of the wall
shall be included in all costs. Surface preparation will be provided by the artist and includes preparing the surface
for mural application and the installation of the mural.
Photos of the Pocket Park mural area can be found here:
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Mural Content/Themes
Collingswood Partners is seeking a vibrant, welcoming mural that reflects the spirit of our community and
enhances the character of our downtown. The design should incorporate themes of sustainability, kindness, and
connection, drawing inspiration from the local landscape, Collingswood’s unique charm, and the region’s natural
beauty.
We encourage artists to consider incorporating elements of local habitat and native landscapes, celebrating the
diverse plants and wildlife that define our environment. The mural must include the phrase “Welcome to
Collingswood,” “Greetings from Collingswood,” or a similar welcoming message, and should function as a
photo opportunity for both residents and visitors. It should serve as a lively, engaging backdrop that invites
interaction and celebrates the downtown area. Artists are encouraged to propose works in a variety of styles and
mediums. The final piece should contribute to downtown vibrancy and reflect the values of inclusivity, creativity,
and sustainability that define Collingswood.
Resources
The Recreation and Facilities Master Plan can be found at the Borough website at:
https://collingswood.com/living/recreation_and_facilities_master_plan.php
Information on Collingswood can be found at the following websites:
https://www.collingswood.com/living/about_collingswood/index.php
Budget
The total amount allotted to this project, covering all materials, labor, and installation, will not exceed $15,000.
Proposal Requirements
1. Narrative and Concept Drawings: A brief narrative (max. 500 words) explaining the proposed mural
concept, its artistic intent, style, and how it meets the project goals. Include two concept sketches or
mockups of the mural design, suggesting media and colors, and approximate dimensions to convey
artistic intent and style.
2. Site Preparation Recommendations: Detail the proposed method for site preparation for mural
application, including any specific requirements or processes. Please itemize this separately in the
budget.
3. Itemized Budget: A comprehensive, itemized budget clearly detailing all anticipated costs, including artist
fees, materials, equipment, labor, installation, and any other associated expenses.
4. Timetable: A detailed timetable for project completion, outlining key milestones from design finalization
through installation.
5. Artist Qualifications and Portfolio:
o Resume(s) of the principal artist(s) and working team (if applicable), including contact information.
o Artist statement(s) outlining relevant experience.
o A portfolio of up to 5 images of previous relevant work of similar scale and scope, with
accompanying budget information where available.
o At least three references for similar projects.
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6. Maintenance Plan: A brief outline of recommended maintenance for the mural to ensure its longevity and
the expected lifetime of the project.
Selection Criteria
A selection committee made up of community members and representatives from Collingswood Partners will
review submissions and select a proposal based on the following criteria:
• Artistic Merit and Creativity: The quality and originality of the proposed design.
• Alignment with Project Mission and Theme: How well the proposal addresses the goals of downtown
vibrancy, photo opportunity, and incorporation of the required phrase.
• Artist/Team Experience and Qualifications: Demonstrated past work experience with public art,
particularly murals, and the capacity to execute the project successfully.
• Feasibility and Durability: The practicality of the proposed installation and the expected longevity of the
artwork.
• Overall Project Cost: The reasonableness of the budget in relation to the proposed work.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability and willingness to collaborate (for artist teams).
Proposals shall be reviewed and scored by a Selection Committee in accordance with the criteria set forth above.
The Selection Committee may conduct interviews, request clarifications, or request revised proposals. Final
award shall be made to the respondent whose proposal is determined to be most advantageous to the Borough,
price and other factors considered.
This project constitutes a commissioned public art project and government-supported expression. All artwork
selected pursuant to this RFP shall be considered government speech, and Collingswood Partners, in
coordination with the Borough of Collingswood, retains full discretion to select, reject, or modify proposed designs
based on artistic, aesthetic, thematic, and project-related considerations.
Nothing in this RFP shall be construed to create or designate a public forum for private expression. Submission
of a proposal does not guarantee selection or installation.
Selection decisions will be made based on the criteria set forth herein and the project’s stated goals. The Borough
and Collingswood Partners reserve the right to reject any or all proposals, to request revisions, and to ensure
that the final artwork is consistent with the project vision and applicable standards.
General Conditions
Collingswood Partners and the Borough reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any informalities
or irregularities in submissions, and to accept the proposal deemed to be in the best interest of the project.
All submissions shall become the property of Collingswood Partners and will not be returned. The selected artist
or artist team shall be required to enter into a formal written agreement with Collingswood Partners, the terms of
which shall govern all aspects of the project, including scope of work, schedule, compensation, and ownership
rights. The final mural design shall be subject to review and approval by Collingswood Partners and the Borough
of Collingswood prior to fabrication and installation, and the selected artist shall comply with all requested
revisions necessary to align the work with project goals and applicable standards. The selected artist shall be
responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and permitting
requirements, including any safety or site-specific requirements associated with installation.
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Project Award Timeline
Task
Completion Date
Proposals due
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 by 12:00pm
Notify Selected Candidates for Interview
June 8, 2026
Project Awarded
July 6, 2026
Kick-off Meeting with Artist/Team
July 2026
Submitting Proposals
Your proposal must be mailed or delivered in person, and must include TWO HARD COPIES OF THE
PROPOSAL AND ONE ELECTRONIC COPY ON A CD OR THUMB DRIVE to the following by 12:00pm on
Tuesday May 19, 2026:
Collingswood Pocket Park Mural
Attn: Holly Mannel
678 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ, 08108
Proposal must be in an outer envelope and be marked:
COLLINGSWOOD POCKET PARK MURAL
DO NOT OPEN UNTIL: 05/19/2026 12:00PM
Proposals not received by the time and date indicated will not be considered.
Proposal Checklist:
• A single PDF attachment of the complete proposal.
• Company Name (if applicable).
• Contact Name, Phone, and Email.
• Resumes of principal and working team (if applicable).
• A concise description of the services proposed for the work.
• A concise description of the interpretive/design philosophy underlying the work.
• Costs for services as shown in the "Request for Proposal Form" below and a separate itemized budget.
• Description of past experience with similar efforts, particularly on mural projects.
• At least three references for similar projects.
• A schedule and timetable that describes the process and covers steps to complete the project,
milestones, reviews, and delivery dates.
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• One or more conceptual designs or rough drawings of the proposed mural.
• A detailed maintenance plan.
Inquiries Concerning This Proposal
Please direct any questions in writing to Lindsey Ferguson at lferguson@collingswood.com by 12:00pm on May
12, 2026.
Collingswood Partners reserves the right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any and all proposals received
in response to this Request for Proposal; to waive or permit cure of minor irregularities; and to conduct
discussions or interviews with any or all qualified Artists or Artist Teams in any manner necessary to serve the
best interests of Collingswood Partners. This Request for Proposal creates no obligation on the part of
Collingswood Partners to award a contract.
Request for Proposal Cost
(Short Form)
Design Costs/Artist Fee
$
Site Preparation
$
Materials
$
Labor (Fabrication/Installation)
$
Other Associated Costs (please itemize)
$
Total Project Cost
$
Company Name (if applicable)
Contact Name Telephone Email Address
Signature Date
Your signature will guarantee the proposed production quote will be effective for 120 days.
X
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This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.