Commonwealth Properties and One Columbia seek qualifications from professional artists or artist teams to design and paint a mural in Columbia's Cottontown neighborhood. One to three separate artists may be selected for this project. The mural will encompass approximately 985 square feet across eight designated art panels on the first-floor, Sumter Street-facing façade. The panels will be divided evenly among the chosen artists. The artwork should reflect the character and history of Cottontown, with themes such as nature, local history, and community interpreted through the artist's own creative approach.
The building was designed to complement the neighborhood through its Craftsman-inspired architectural character. The artwork should strengthen that connection and feel like an authentic contribution to the neighborhood. A portion of the mural is required to be painted during the Cottontown Art Crawl.
Project Details
Surface: Exterior first-floor façade with eight designated art panels
Size: Approximately 985 square feet total, divided into three sections across eight designated art panels
Location: 2200 Block of Sumter Street, Cottontown, Columbia, SC
The eight panels are separated by architectural features, windows, doors, and other building elements. The panels will be divided into three sections.
The site has a notable history as the former Jim Moore Cadillac dealership. The property was later vacant and in disrepair before being redeveloped. Artists may consider this history and the site's transformation if relevant to their concept, but the artwork is not required to directly reference the property's history.
The mural must be welcoming and engaging for residents, neighbors, and visitors; visible from Sumter Street and surrounding areas; and appropriate to the neighborhood's residential character. Durable materials suitable for exterior conditions are required.
Artwork Goals
Create a distinctive and welcoming visual feature in Cottontown
Strengthen the connection between the building and surrounding neighborhood
Celebrate community, nature, gardens, history, and place
Complement the building's Craftsman-inspired architecture and streetscape
Create artwork that is welcoming to a broad range of people
Provide an opportunity for the public to experience the mural-making process during the Cottontown Art Crawl
*Artists may propose a community participation activity for Art Crawl attendees to engage with as part of the mural experience. Any proposed community participation activity should be included in the artist's final concept presentation only.
The property owner places particular value on community, quality, attention to detail, long-term care, and a well-integrated neighborhood environment. Artists may consider these ideas when developing their approach. Political, polarizing, or unsettling imagery should be avoided.