RFQ: Creative Window Makers: Decals, Hand-Painted Signage & Storefront Art Installations

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

Creative Window Makers: Decals, Hand-Painted Signage & Storefront Art Installations

Issued by: North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC)
In partnership with: Essex County Land Bank

Service Area: Ticonderoga, Elizabethtown, Town of Jay, Town of Moriah, Granville, Greenwich, and Surrounding Communities

Issued: 7/15/2025
Priority Deadline: 8/15/2025 (Rolling thereafter)

Do you see windows as blank canvases? Whether you design vibrant decals, paint storefront murals, or install signage that stops people in their tracks—we want to work with you. The North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC), in collaboration with the Essex County Land Bank and Ticonderoga Revitalization Alliance, is building a regional roster of creative professionals to transform storefronts into experiences.

This effort is part of a larger movement—rooted in the success of Walls Between Waters mural festival. Through New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and the Vacant Rental Improvement Program (VRP) , we're helping small towns reimagine what public-facing spaces can become.

At the heart of this initiative is the preservation of place : a celebration of our downtowns' architectural heritage , historic facades , and the cultural identity embedded in our storefronts and apartments. These creative upgrades support modern businesses and housing while respecting the unique history of each block—blending the old and the new to create something unforgettable.

We are seeking creatives and contractors with expertise in:

• Full-window artistic decals
• Hand-painted signage
• Seasonal or semi-permanent painted window murals
• Creative storefront installations or display art
• Vinyl-cut typography or branding graphics

Our projects engage businesses that represent the evolving spirit of our towns:
Coffee shops | Maker co-ops | Gaming stores | Boutique laundromats | Specialty Italian food shops | Children’s museums | Breweries | Performing arts centers | Historic gas stations | Olive oil companies- and lots of apartments typology

These small enterprises are the modern heartbeat of buildings that tell a story —and we’re inviting you to help visualize that connection through art.

For window decals and vinyl graphics , we welcome:

• Designers who create custom artwork, illustrations, or branded graphics
• Fabricators/installers who can print, cut, and apply decal designs created by others
• Professionals or teams who offer both services

Even if you only fabricate and install , you're encouraged to apply. Many businesses select a designer from the roster and need a reliable partner to bring the work to life. Just tell us what you do—we’ll help connect the dots.

This is a prequalification call to join our Creative Window Makers roster , not a bid on a specific job. Here's what you can expect:

• Your portfolio will be shared with participating businesses
• If selected, you'll receive a $250 design stipend to develop a concept
• If awarded the project, you'll receive competitive pay and an upfront deposit
• NRDC will assist with coordination, budgeting, and creative matchmaking

We invite:

• Designers & visual artists
• Sign painters, muralists, and typographers
• Vinyl professionals (print and install)
• Installers or contractors who can fabricate others’ design work (with collaboration and permission).
• Creative teams who do it all

Send materials to hcarroll@northcountryruraldevelopment.org with the subject line:
“Creative Window Makers RFQ – [Your Name or Business Name]”

Please include:

1. Brief letter of interest (1 page)
2. Resume or artist bio
3. 3–5 examples of relevant work (PDF, link, or social media)
4. Description of services offered:
   – Design only
   – Fabrication/installation only
   – Both
5. Sample pricing or budget range
6. Contact info, website, and social media

• $250 design fee for every proposal invitation
• Upfront deposit + fair pay on all awarded projects
• Work across six revitalizing communities and more
• Help shape downtown identity with high-profile, creative storefront art
• Be part of a growing public art network in the North Country
• Contribute to the preservation and storytelling of historic places through art

Contact:
Hope Carroll

hcarroll@northcountryruraldevelopment.org | (518) 585-6366

Our windows aren’t just glass—they’re storytelling surfaces. From Victorian brick to Art Deco lines to mid-century storefronts, these buildings speak. Let your work be part of the next layer of history. Join us in building something bold, beautiful, and rooted in place.