Call for Artists - BMX Mural

CALL TO ARTISTS The City of St. Albert is inviting Alberta-based artists to submit qualifications for the creation of a mural at the base of the starting hill of Canada's newest and most exciting Supercross BMX racing track. BMX is a dynamic, high-energy sport that features thrilling races on dirt tracks with jumps, berms and other challenging obstacles. As an internationally recognized sport and a fixture in the Olympic Games, BMX racing draws competitors and fans from around the world. This state-of-the-art track is poised to enhance tourism and attract participants globally. We are seeking an artist who can capture the intensity and excitement that the BMX track brings to our community. The chosen artist will be required to engage with the BMX track users to shape their design and ensure it reflects the spirit of this vibrant space. Eligibility This opportunity is open to visual artists residing in Alberta. Artists should be based in or near St. Albert to collaborate effectively with the project team and complete the mural, as travel and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the artist and will not be reimbursed additional to the overall budget of $25,000.00. Preference will be given to artists who have demonstrated experience in creating murals, working collaboratively with project teams and managing similar sized budgets. Accessibility Public Art staff are available to work one-on-one with applicants who experience barriers to applying. This includes reading, writing and interpretation barriers. Please contact the Visual Arts Coordinator if you require support at [email protected] Artist Design Fee: $25,000.00 + GST. Submission

Deadline: March 16, 2025 Project Start Date: April 8, 2025 Completion and Installation: August 3, 2025

ABOUT BICYCLE MOTOCROSS (BMX) BMX racing is an exciting, high-speed sport where riders race on dirt tracks filled with jumps, berms (banked curves) and other obstacles. BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross, and the sport originally evolved from motocross racing in the 1970s, with young riders imitating their motocross heroes on bicycles. The Track BMX tracks are purpose-built dirt tracks that vary in length but typically measure around 350 meters (1,150 feet) long. The tracks are designed with a series of jumps, ramps and berms, making for an exciting and challenging race environment. Riders need strong bike handling skills to navigate the terrain at high speeds. The Race Races are typically short and intense, lasting between 30 seconds and one minute, depending on the track's complexity and length. Competitors race in heats, with the top riders advancing to the finals. BMX racing is a head-to-head competition with a high level of strategy, as racers often need to anticipate their opponants' moves. The Bikes BMX bikes are lightweight and built for speed and maneuverability. They typically have 20-inch wheels, knobby tires for traction and a single gear. BMX bikes are smaller than normal bicycles because the riders never sit down and need to be nimble on the bike. Categories BMX is a sport for the whole family. Athletes between the ages of five and 65 regularly compete at local tracks, at provincial races or even at national events across Canada, the USA and around the world. Races are organized according to age groups and skill levels, so everyone can compete on a fair and competitive basis. The Olympics BMX racing was officially added to the Summer Olympics in 2008, further raising its global profile. In Olympic competition, riders race on a track with a mix of jumps and tight turns, competing for the gold, silver and bronze medals. The Skills BMX racers are explosive athletes with extremely powerful legs for pedaling and strong arms for pumping and jumping over track obstacles. The sport requires quick reflexes, balance and the ability to make split-second decisions while riding at high speeds. Community and Culture BMX racing has a strong community element. Riders often bond over the shared experience of racing and training together. Local clubs and events foster a sense of camaraderie among participants, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

ABOUT PUBLIC ART IN ST. ALBERT The City of St. Albert believes that art can directly influence the way that people see and connect with each other and their community. Public art highlights what is unique about the places where people live, work and play. This in turn supports tourism and economic prosperity through the activation of public spaces. The City supports the display and development of public art that contributes to our community’s connection to public spaces and fosters a sense of belonging and wellbeing.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION The successful artist will create a vibrant mural that captures the spirit of BMX. The mural will span the entirety of the concrete base of the start hill, which has three sides. The mural is temporary and is expected to last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, adding visual interest and vibrancy to Riel Recreation Park. Project Goals · To create a fun, dynamic and considerate mural that captures the spirit of BMX. · To enhance the BMX track and provide a point of visual interest to those visiting the track, and those walking, biking or driving along Riel Drive. · To celebrate artists residing in Alberta and encourage community members and visitors to visit the BMX track, promoting the City’s livability while inspiring creativity and interest in trying a new sport! Compensation The artist or artist team will be paid a total of $25,000 + GST for the development of their concept, all materials and the painting of the mural. They will be paid based on the deliverables listed within their Scope of Work. Please visit the City of St. Albert Project Page to read the full Call for Artists and learn more about the submission requirements, evaluation process and terms and conditions.