Submission Deadline: 12/8/2023

The County of Mercer, New Jersey, is issuing a Request for Qualifications (Phase 1), inviting artists/artist teams who wish to be considered to submit their interest and qualifications for the creation of a public mural. This mural is to be installed on an exterior 319 ft (w) x 19 ft (h) wall (located at 600 Cass Street, Trenton, NJ) on the New Jersey State Prison. This project is known as the Mercer County Cass Street Prison Mural Project, and this document is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

Qualification submittals will be evaluated by the Mercer County Cass Street Prison Mural Project Committee (MCCSPMP) who will review all submissions and will invite up to five qualified candidates to submit a full proposal for the design and fabrication of a mural. It is expected that the initial phase of the design installation will take place sometime in mid-spring of 2024.

The Project

One (1), 319 ft (w) x 19 ft (h) decorative mural is sought for the exterior of the New Jersey State Prison on Cass Street. Sculptors, artists or artist teams are invited to submit their professional and artistic qualifications for a public art project of this type, and an expression of interest in being considered for this project. Traditionally, Trenton’s South Ward has been a multicultural entryway for diverse groups of people. Those finalists selected by the Committee to submit a full proposal for the project will be expected to incorporate, in some way, the following key words/phrases into their final design:

- Vibrant & Welcoming

- Inclusive & Aspirational

- Iconic & Eye-catching

- Embracing Community

Materials used must be weather resistant and the final artwork must adhere to the concrete wall. The total project budget, including installation costs, is $150,000.

Any applicant interested in viewing the site location in advance must contact the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage 48 hours in advanced at (609) 278-2712 or at [email protected].

Eligibility Criteria

This RFQ is open to professional, practicing artists and artist teams living or working within the tri-state area (New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania). Artists with positive public art installation experiences and/or who have partnered with architects in art installation are strongly preferred. Finalists invited to develop full proposals will be required to be registered as a vendor with the County and must agree to comply with non-discrimination provisions and all other laws and regulations applicable to the performance of services there under. The final contract entered into between the artist/contractor and the County must be in accordance with, and subject to, compliance by both parties with the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law.

Please see commission portal link for full project information and application instructions.