Norman Arts Council, Public Art Committee

Mural Incentive Program

The Norman Arts Council and the Norman Public Art Committee announce the 2024 Mural Incentive Program. This program is intended to enhance the cultural landscape of Norman, OK by providing matching funds to property owners who wish to invest in a mural on the exterior of their space.

Murals must be in the City of Norman, Oklahoma's boundaries.

Applications will be considered for funding as they are received. The Public Arts Committee will review applications at their monthly meetings on the second Monday of the month. There is no deadline for applications. Projects will be considered for NAC funding if funds are currently available.

NAC/PAC will consider 1 to 1 matching up to $10,000 – If the NAC/PAC approves the request, it will be the maximum possible award. If the application is from a nonprofit entity, no matching funds are required unless the project is more than $10,000. All applicants can expect a response within 45 days of submission.

Applicants MUST provide with the application:

· Written and signed approval from the property owner (if other than the applicant) for the mural.

· An artist rendering of the mural design

· A signed written agreement with the artist which includes:

        The total cost to be paid to the artist

        A statement that the mural will remain in place for at least 5 years unless the mural has been damaged or has deteriorated beyond reasonable repair. 

        NOTE: The NAC must be contacted in writing before removal if there is a reason to remove early.

· A full budget for the project which will include payment to the artist:

        AT LEAST $25/square foot for mural

        NAC recommends a minimum design fee of $500

        If you have requested design proposal from multiple artists, NAC recommends a minimum design fees of $500 to each artist

· A timeline for the project

· Acknowledgment of review of the Federal Visual Artists Rights Act: https://www.gapslegal.com/articles/understanding-the-visual-artists-rights-act/

If a business/property owner would like NAC assistance with commissioning an artist, please see our Pre-Qualified List of Artists. If you do not see an artist you would like to work with, you can speak to the NAC about managing a Call for Proposals for your intended mural. Please reach out to Leslie Nottingham: leslie@normanarts.org

Why NAC/PAC could say no to funding:

· The location isn’t visible to the public

· In an attempt to have a diverse representation of artists in Norman, consideration of funding will be weighted towards our mission of working with varied artists and styles

· The budget is not appropriate to the project

· The project is already in production

· The project does not align with the mission and values of the NAC and PAC. This may include reasons such as, but not limited to:

         Content that may be deemed offensive (political commentary, hate speech, cultural appropriation, pro or anti-religious discourse, etc.)

Once approved, the NAC will contract with Business:

· Any changes to the design after funding has been approved must be approved by NAC/PAC

· Disbursement of funds: 50% on contract execution and 50% upon completion of the project