Mayor Sarno states, “As we see often in Springfield the arts are the heartbeat of our city. We’ve seen great success supporting not only our arts anchors but also programs that have helped install public art pieces throughout Springfield which creates a vibrancy that spins off with the patronizing of our businesses.”
The RFP will fund one or more organizations to execute public mural event programs for a total award amount of $100,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
The city began funding public arts programming in 2017 with an initial program that produced the Milton Bradley inspired mural by artist Kim Carlino on the AW Gifford building on Lyman Street, as well as the “Pipe Wrench Dream” sculpture by James Kitchen that was displayed by the front door of the MassMutual Center for several years. The funding has also helped the popular Fresh Paint mural festival establish itself in Springfield.
“The community has responded positively to investments in public art in Springfield,” said Tim Sheehan, CDO. “We consider the arts economy an important component to a healthy city and look forward to continuing to grow that sector.”
Proposals are due August 29, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Interested parties can visit the Office of Procurement’s website at: www.springfield-ma.gov/finance/procurement for more details.