Oak Lawn Branch Library Mural
Ends on
Call for Local Artist – Exterior Columns Mural Project
The Dallas Public Library is inviting artists to participate in the creation of a collaborative set of murals on the exterior columns of our Oak Lawn branch library. We welcome all artists to submit original work that reflects the Oak Lawn Neighborhood.
Timeline
Call opens Dec. 2
Open call closes Jan. 31
Selection begins/closes Feb. 1
Artist acceptance notification Feb. 28
Installation TBD
Project Description
The ideal concept and finished work for this project should:
- Reflect the culture and history of the Oak Lawn neighborhood and its residents
- Showcase Oak Lawn's free-flowing landscapes, springs and architecture
- Display vibrant and colorful images that complement the environment
- Meet the library’s standard of value and quality as well as celebrate its impact on the community
- Be a collaboration between two or more artists, though non-collaborative works will be considered. Note that multiple artists may be selected to paint individual columns
Artists are encouraged to explore a wide range of themes that pertain to this specific neighborhood. Overall, the design should reflect the community and the energy of the neighborhood and the library’s role in the community as a gathering place where all are welcome.
The project location is 4100 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas, TX 75219. The chosen design will be on the exterior columns near the front entrance of the library’s building. Designs on each column can differ but artists will work collectively to create one overall theme.
The dimensions of the surface area and overall square footage for each column are as follows:
- there are white brick columns, measuring 15.5 ft x 2 2/3 ft.
- Only 4 columns will be painted with a mural. The others will be painted a solid color, ideally in-between the mural columns. Artist is only responsible for the 4 columns painted with a mural.
- Photo of Oak Lawn Library Exterior
- Mural Example Idea
Note: Keep in mind that this work will be view by persons of all ages, races, genders, faiths, and walks of life
Project Goal
- Beautification: Enhance the environmental and aesthetic appeal in the Oak Lawn neighborhood.
- Cultural Development: Reflect the neighborhood’s character and the community it serves, enriching the identity of the already existing space to make it meaningful to those who use it.
- Inclusivity: Install public art that is reflective of the Oak Lawn community’s diverse population and culture
- Growth: Attract visitors to the Oak Lawn Library Branch
Our goal is to display a colorful, welcoming and vibrant entrance to the library as well as promote the community of Oaklawn and highlight the local history and culture of this diverse neighborhood.
This will be achieved through the conceptual development and fabrication of a site-specific artwork.
Thoughtful engagement with the community and its residents will be key.
The final work should be a public artwork to be installed in early 2025 at the Oak Lawn Branch Library.
Artist Profile
- You or someone close to you has a connection or a first-hand experience engaging in the Oak Lawn neighborhood
- You believe in the need for a library that reflects the Oak Lawn Community and its culture
- Community engagement is (or will be) a core value in your artistic practice
Oak Lawn Location and History
In 1846, Oak Lawn/Cedar Springs became a part of Dallas County.
In the early 1870s, European settlers were drawn to the region for its majestic oak and cedar trees and access to fresh water from natural springs, contributing to its architectural diversity. Development in the area centered around the first Methodist church, first built in 1874, which quickly became the heart of the Oak Lawn community, providing a meeting space as well as a school. By the early 20th century, Oak Lawn developed into a desirable residential area, marked by what are now official Dallas Landmark structures including the Cedar Springs Fire Station built in 1909, the Melrose Hotel built in 1924, and Stephen J. Hay Elementary School built in 1926.
For most of the 20th century the southern portion of the neighborhood near the intersection of Cedar Springs Road and Harry Hines Blvd was known as "Little Mexico". St. Anne's Catholic school served as the center for the community. With the redevelopment of the neighborhood beginning in the 1980s Little Mexico vanished.
In the 1960s, Oak Lawn emerged as a vibrant LGBTQ+ community hub, significantly influencing Dallas's social and cultural life. This period was highlighted by the opening of Texas's first gay bar, Club Reno, in 1947, and the first Gay Pride Parade in Texas in 1972. The neighborhood became the heart of the LGBTQ+ community, with The Crossroads serving as a vital center for political activism and social services.
In October 2018, Oak Lawn received a Texas State Historical Marker, becoming the first neighborhood in Texas to be recognized for its LGBTQ+ history. Today, it remains an essential gathering point for the LGBTQ+ community.
Applicant Guidelines
Participants must submit all of the materials listed below:
DPL may determine work ineligible if entry guidelines are not followed.
1. A completed application
2. Artist/Collaborative proposal (500 word maximum) describing your proposed design
3. 2-4 renderings of proposed design for each of the columns submitted as a digital file: pdf, jpg or tiff. Renderings should include project size and dimensions.
4. Current resume
5. All entries must be original and completed solely by the artist’s hand.
6. Artist or collaborative statement and bio (250 word maximum).
7. Two (2) references of individuals who can attest to your commitment completing art projects or equivalent skills.
8. At least 3 digital images of your work that give a sense of your skill and approach to this project
9. Once an artist is selected for the project, the artist will submit a more detailed drawing/design
Eligibility
1. This call is for original mural proposals only. Proposals which contain imagery that is copyrighted by a different entity, stolen, or copied from any other source will not be considered.
2. Artist must demonstrate a meaningful relationship with the Oak Lawn neighborhood. Living or working in the neighborhood is preferential.
3. Artwork must encompass the value of the library in the community and draw from Oak Lawn’s unique history.
Artist Selection Criteria and Process
Artists will be considered based on the following criteria:
- Artistic excellence, innovation and originality
- Documented potential and experience to complete the project successfully and within the required time frame
- Level of community theme and involvement
- Proposal wishes for two or more artists to work in collaboration to execute this project
A panel of arts professionals, community representatives and City staff will review and approved proposals that meet the above criteria and make the final selection.
The funding available for this project is up to $4000 ($1000 per column) and artists are responsible for providing all materials and equipment required to complete the project. Note that multiple artists may be selected to paint individual columns.
Please note that the Library will obtain all rights to the selected artwork and must retain the right to alter or remove the artwork as needed (i.e. if damaged or in need of repair).
This project is funded by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.