The City of Raton, in partnership with GrowRaton!, The Raton Rotary Club, and RatonMainstreet is inviting artists with an artistic vision of beautifying the town’s main street to submit proposals for a mural to adorn the downtown area. This project is an effort to engage the community through an art project highlighting the unique history and culture of Raton.
Brenda Ferri, Executive Director of the Raton Mainstreet/Arts and Culture District, said the DowntownMural Project is a downtown initiative that the organization is excited to support.
“GrowRaton! is excited to participate in this artistic project that will add to the ambiance of our
downtown,” said Anita Flores, Community Coordinator of GrowRaton!.
Beginning in 2004, the City of Raton began to refocus economic and community initiatives and was designated as one of the first Arts and Cultural Districts. Since this time, the main street area has seen an increase in business activity, façade improvements, upgrades, and reoccurring annual events, prompting the Downtown Mural Project.
The mural will be placed on the exterior walls of select community buildings. The selection committee will accept both solo and group mural project proposals and these proposals must be submitted by Sept. 30, 2020.
The project is open to any U.S. artist or artist groups 16 years old or older, regardless of where they live. Criteria considered by the selection committee include the incorporation of references to the area’s history and culture in the design, the degree to which the design will likely engage the community, and the use of durable materials that require minimum maintenance. All work must be original.
Once an artist or artist group is selected, work on the project must be completed by Nov.15, 2020 with room for flexibility if extenuating circumstances may arise. The project proposal should include a projected budget, as the selected artist will receive a materials stipend. The competition is open to all US artists 16 years of age or older.
For more information, please visit: ratonmainstreet.org or email ehooper@cityofraton.com.
You can download contest guidelines at https://www.exploreraton.sustainraton.org/post/city-of-raton-seeks-artists-for-downtown-murals?fbclid=IwAR0SDa7kgc8XFrRzq0qlOWONH_ELQSU-ecI1ddBbyAA-gTNpuAN-PuGONaQ
