Town of Fairmount Heights | EXTERIOR INSTALLATION

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD

DEADLINE - September 15, 2025  
 

“Community Heritage – Community Futures” 

A Blue Line Corridor Placemaking Initiative

GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

The Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC) is implementing three community-informed public art mural projects in the inner beltway municipalities of the Blue Line Corridor, including the City of Seat Pleasant, the Town of Capitol Heights, and the Town of Fairmount Heights. 

This public art project highlights each municipality's unique stories, culture, and artifacts while celebrating civic pride, community heritage, and future aspirations. The goal of these murals is to honor the neighborhood's progress, history, and diverse cultures, and they will also serve as beautiful, enduring landmarks, anchoring our communities and fostering a sense of place and belonging.

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The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC) is seeking applications from skilled local muralists or teams for a public art project. This project involves designing and creating a mural to adhere to the wooden or vinyl fence at the pocket park near the city’s new Net Zero Energy home development.

This project is part of a larger plan to improve community spaces and involve people by using art to tell stories.

Fairmount Heights was established as one of the earliest planned communities in the United States for Black families. The town was officially established in 1935, which means it’s the second-oldest city in Prince George’s County where most residents are African American. Four historical locations are in Fairmount Heights, which is a National Historic Landmark.

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DESIGN VALUES

Visual Impact: 

• A bold and inspiring visual that links the past with future aspirations, creating a strong and vibrant aesthetic.

Contextual Relevance:

• Honors the legacy and contributions of Black architects, reflecting pride and cultural identity.
• Celebrates the diverse cultural roots within the community, emphasizing unity and inclusion.

All-Ages Appeal: 

• Connects to shared memories and traditions, offering a relatable narrative across age groups.

Placemaking: 

• Grounds the mural in civic history, making it a meaningful focal point for gatherings on park grounds.
• Encourages community reflection and connection across time.

Structure Dimensions:

Wide: 14 Feet

Tall: 5 Feet

Squarefoot: 70 sqft

Material: Wood or Vinyl 

(To Adhere To)
 

ARTIST ELIGIBILITY

• Local professional artists and design teams with direct experience with large mural concepts. 
• Candidates must demonstrate collaborative project experience working with other design professionals (engineers, architects, curators, and landscape architects). 

PROJECT BUDGET $20,000 USD

Project budget includes artist design fees, materials, fabrication, installation, travel, and any other project expense.

SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA

• After the submission deadline, Prince George’s County Arts and Humanities public art staff will convene a Project Art Advisory Committee composed of Community Stakeholders, artist/design professionals, and project team members.
• The Project Art Advisory Committee will screen submissions and decide on the final contract award.

The Project Art Advisory Committee will use the following criteria to make their finalists selection:

• Artistic merit as evidenced by submitted digital representation of past work samples.
• Appropriateness of the artist’s medium, style, and previous professional experience as they relate to the public goals and design values of this project. 
• Experience with projects of similar scale and scope, including a demonstrated ability to successfully collaborate with public agencies, engage in a successful public review process, work well with diverse community groups, and plan and community engagement activities.
•  Artist's ability to successfully work within the project timeline and budget.
• The Project Art Advisory Committee will review applicants’ submitted materials, have an opportunity to ask clarifying questions of applicants initial ideas and approaches to the project in broad conceptual terms and develop a ranked list of two to three qualified candidates who will be invited for interviews. 
• Finalists will be paid an honorarium of $500 USD to produce a more detailed concept proposal.
• Following the interview/community engagement stage and reference checks, the Project Art Advisory Committee will vote to approve the final artist recommendation.
•  Upon approval, the selected artist or artist team will be issued a design contract.
• Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council serves as project lead overseeing contract issuance, deliverables, and overall project management.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE 

September 15, 2025, BY 11:59PM EST

DOWNLOAD FULL RFQ HERE.  For reference.

Please apply via Submittable. Your submission should include the following by completing the information on the form that follow: 

• Name and contact information including resident/primary studio address.
• Statement of interest which describes how you will address the project design values.
• Rough sketch/sketches for how you would approach the project and what uniquely bring to enhance overall vision.
• Resume/Artist Vitae outlining your professional accomplishments (If submitting as a team, please identify team leader and include resumes for each team member).
• Images of most recent work that represents your artistic process (Please limit to 10 images per artist or team member).
• Three professional references that include name, affiliated organization (if appropriate), email address, and phone number.

ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE

Submission of Qualifications

• September 15, 2025

Award of Contract 

• SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

Projected Installation Completed

• OCTOBER 31, 2025

For all inquiries please contact: 

Rhonda Dallas | rdallas@pgahc.org