The City of Ann Arbor is seeking an artist(s) to create and complete a painted mural in the stairwell of the Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Administration Building. The stairwell is approximately 8 feet wide by 18 feet long and 21 feet high. The award will be for $17,000. Work shall be completed by November 2022 or earlier. First application deadline is October 31, 2021.
Call to artists detailed requirements and deadlines summary (PDF)
Ann Arbor's Drinking Water Treatment Plant was originally constructed in 1938 and has undergone numerous expansions and improvements since. Ann Arbor's primary source of raw water (approximately 80%) is the Huron River, which is impounded by the Barton Dam originally constructed in 1912. The remaining raw water sources, about 20%, comes from ground water wells.
As a way of educating the public about how the city collects and treats its drinking water, the city conducts extensive public outreach. This outreach includes a water plant open house each May. Additionally, the WTP provides tours to schools throughout southeast Michigan. The tours highlight the history of the WTP, its raw water sources, its treatment processes and our commitment to delivering safe drinking water exceeding all regulatory requirements. During the course of a year, more than 2000 community members visit the city's water treatment plant.
The stairwell resides in a highly trafficked location in the water plant and will serve as a dramatic space for the proposed mural. Additionally, the mural shall become part of the city's public art program through the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission, giving the mural wider visibility.
Please send all correspondence to:
[email protected] by 11:59 p.m. on or before October 31, 2021. Artists are encouraged to contact the Ann Arbor WTP at 734.994.2840 to confirm receipt of applications.
