Red Clay Theatre Mural

Request for
Qualifications (RFQ)
City of Duluth, GA
Red Clay Theatre Mural
RFQ RED CLAY 2026-01
Release Date: June 16, 2026
Due Date for Phase One: September 1, 2026, at 3:00pm EST

RFQ RED CLAY 2026-01
Table of Contents
Project Overview ________________________________________________________________________02
Site Information ________________________________________________________________________ 03
Project Goals _____________________________________________________________________________04
Scope of Work ____________________________________________________________________________04
Budget ____________________________________________________________________________________05
Application Process _____________________________________________________________________05
Selection Criteria ________________________________________________________________________06
Timeline __________________________________________________________________________________07
Contact Information ____________________________________________________________________07
Additional Information ________________________________________________________________07
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RFQ RED CLAY 2026-01
Request for Qualiications (RFQ)
Call for Artist-
RED CLAY 2026-01
1. Project Overview
The City of Duluth Public Arts Commission (DPAC) is seeking qualified artists or artist
teams to design and install a large-scale exterior mural at the Red Clay Theatre in Duluth,
Georgia. This mural will serve as a signature public art piece in one of the most visible and
high-traffic areas in the city, facing Buford Highway. The project aims to create a bold,
memorable work that reflects Duluth's identity, diversity, and strong connection to music
and culture.
As the site of this project, the Red Clay Theatre, also known as Red Clay Music Foundry,
serves as a vital cultural anchor in downtown Duluth. The City of Duluth purchased the
property in 2004 and converted it into a theatre as part of its downtown revitalization
efforts. After the oldest portion of the building was removed in 2010 due to structural
concerns and roadway improvements, the venue evolved into its current form and is now
operated by Eddie Owen Presents. Under the direction of Eddie Owen, a well-known figure
in the regional music scene, the venue has become a respected listening room. This
intimate, 260-seat space hosts a wide range of acclaimed musicians, including artists such
as Jason Isbell and Shawn Mullins. In addition to live performances, it is also home to a
music school, further supporting arts education and community engagement. The Red Clay
remains a cornerstone of Duluth's identity, cementing the city's reputation as a premier
destination for vibrant arts and culture.
The City of Duluth is actively renovating the Red Clay building with the goal of
transforming it into a state-of-the-art venue, signaling a new era for this important cultural
space. This mural is envisioned as part of that transformation, marking a new beginning
and serving as a visual representation of the city's evolving identity.
City leadership has expressed a strong vision for establishing Duluth as a recognized "music
city." With Red Clay Music Foundry as a central piece of that vision, this project is seen as an
opportunity to build on that foundation and help shape a distinct cultural identity. The
selected artist will play an important role in this effort, creating a work that not only
relects Duluth's musical roots but also acts as a catalyst for its future as a destination for
music and the arts.
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RFQ RED CLAY 2026-01
2. Site Information
* Building:
* Location:
Red Clay Theatre
* Wall Orientation:
3116 Main St, Duluth, GA 30096
* Approximate size
Exterior wall facing Buford Highway (rear of building)
* Existing Architectural Elements:
: please see photo for measurements
Three arched window ope nings
o
(approximately 52.44 sq. ft. each)
interrupt the mural surface.
VerticaAl rdtioswtsn sshpoouuldt sin/gcourtpteorrsate the windows into the design rather than
o
treat them as blank wall space.
Exterior wall-mounted light f idxitvuidrees the wall into sections.
o
These will not be removed, relocated, or modified.
above the windows.
These provide lighting for the parking area and must remain fully
Marqufeuen/cstiigonnaagl aend unobstructed.
o
These will not be removed, relocated or modified.
on the right side.
The mural should complement and not compete with the existing
venue branding.
FencedA adreeqau aatte t hvies ubaals cel eoafr tahnec ew sahloluld be maintained around the marquee.
o
These will not be removed, relocated or modified.
(approximately 293 sq. ft.).
This area is partially obstructed from public view.
ParkinAgr ltoistt ds isrheocutllyd icno nfrsoidnetr o hfo twhe t hmeu dreasli.gn reads above and behind the
o
fence.

Vehicles will frequently block the lower portion of the artwork.
ViewinIgm dpiosrttaanncte design elements, text, faces, and focal points should be
o
placed higher on the wall.
Most viewers will see the mural from across the parking lot or from
passing vehicles.
BuildinLga rSguer-fsaccaele T imypaeg e ry and bold compositions will be more effective
o
thanB rinictrki csautref daectea.i ls.


Mortar joints and texture may affect fine details.
Existing wall penDeetsriagtnios nshs,o uutldil iatcyc boounxet sfo, ra nthde f tiexxtuturrees a. nd color variation
o
of the brick.
Small electrical components and maintenance access points should
remain accessible.
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These will not be removed, relocated or modified.

RFQ RED CLAY 2026-01
* Environmental Considerations
o
o
Direct sunlight and weather exposure.
* MainteAnratnisctes sahnodu lldo nsgpeevciiftyy .durable exterior paints, coatings, and UV-resistant
materials.
o
*See Exhibit A Dfoers Pighnost ossh ould consider future cleaning, touch-ups, and preservation.
3. Project Goals
The* m ural should ultimately:
Create a destination striking, large-scale mural that serves as a landmark feature
along Buford Highway and enhances the visibility of the Red Clay Music Foundry
* and creates an iconic backdrop where residents and visitors will want to stop and
take photos.
* Reflect the City of Duluth's identity, diversity, and sense of community through a
design that is welcoming, inclusive, and engaging.
Celebrate Duluth's connection to music and the arts, highlighting the role of Red
* Clay Music Foundry as a hub for live performance, education, and cultural
* expression.
Support the City's vision of establishing Duluth as a "music city."
* Complement the ongoing renovation of the Red Clay building as it evolves into a
state-of-the-art destination.
* Create an artwork that is durable, low-maintenance, and suitable for a highly visible
exterior location.
Encourage creativity and originality while ensuring the design is appropriate for a
4. pSucbolpice a uodf iWenocer, kfa mily-friendly, non-political, and aligned with the City's values.
The sel*e cted artist will be responsible for:
*
Developing a inal mural design
*
Coordinating project schedule and execution
*
Providing all materials and supplies
*
Providing all necessary equipment
*
Installation and Completion of the mural
*
Applying the protective coatings as needed
Wall preparation will be limited to pressure washing by the City; all other surface
preparation will be the responsibility of the artist
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RFQ RED CLAY 2026-01
5. Budget
Total Budget: $80, 000.00
The* b udget should include all costs associated with the project, including but not limited to:
*
Artist/ design fee
*
Materials
*
Equipment
*
Crew/assistants
*
Travel (if applicable)
6. AOtphperl iccoasttsi on Process
TPhhea saep pOlnicea tion and selection process will consist of two phases.
Arti*s ts must submit the following materials:
*
* Artist statement or biography
* Portfolio (images and/or links to past work)
* Proposed project timeline
Availability for the project
Design proposal fee
The Commission will review all submissions and select a shortlist of artists to advance to
PPhhaassee TTwwoo.
Phase Two will consist of the Commission inviting selected artists to develop and submit a
proposed mural concept or sketch. Artists selected for this phase will receive compensation
based on their submitted design proposal fee in recognition of the time and effort required
to develop their concepts.
Artists are strongly encouraged to submit a video presentation explaining their design
proposal or a detailed written narrative describing the concept, artistic vision, and how the
proposed design reflects the project goals. The Commission may also request interviews
with finalists to further discuss their proposals.
Compensation provided for finalist design proposals is intended as an advance against the
total project compensation for the artist ultimately selected. If awarded the final mural
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RFQ RED CLAY 2026-01
commission, the selected artist's previously paid design fee will be credited toward and
deducted from the total approved contract amount. Respondents should account for
preliminary design services within their overall proposed project budget.
The Commission will review the submitted concepts and select the finalist whose proposal
best aligns with the project goals, complies with all project requirements, and most
effectively reflects Duluth's identity as a music city and the significance of the Red Clay
Music Foundry.
All submitted concepts, sketches, renderings, and supporting materials must be original
works and may not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property
rights. By submitting materials, artists grant the City of Duluth the right to use submitted
concepts, images, videos, and related materials for evaluation, public presentations, project
documentation, promotional materials, marketing, and other City-related purposes.
Ownership of the final commissioned mural design and associated deliverables shall be
add7re. ssSeedl einc tthioe nco Cntrriatcetr eixae c&u tPedo iwnitth S tchael see (le1c0te0d aProtiisnt.t total)
Phase One
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria using a 100-point scale:
considerations:
* (30 points)
* (20 points)
* Demonstrated artistic excellence and originality as shown in past work
Experience wit(h2 l0a rpgoei-nsctasl)e murals or similar public art projects
* Ability to translate themes of music, culture, and community into a com(p1e5ll ipnog ints)
* visual concept (10 points)
* Strength of artist statement and overall clarity of submission materials
F(5e apsoibiniltitsy) of the proposed timeline and budget
Professional experience, reliability, and ability to successfully complete the project
Total: 100 Poi nts
Phase Two
For * finalists, additional consideration will be given to: (30 points)
* (25 points)
* Strength, creativity, and originality of the proposed mural concept (20 poin ts)
* Alignment with the project goals and vision for City of Duluth (15 points)
* Visual impact and suitability for a highly visible, public-fa(c1in0g p loocinattiso)n
Durability and appropriateness of proposed materials and techniques
FTeoatasilb: i1li0ty0 oPfo eixnetcsu tion, including timeline and approach
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RFQ RED CLAY 2026-01
8. Timeline
* RFQ Release:
* Questions Submission Deadline:
* Publication o fJ uQnuee 1s6ti,o 2n0s2 a6n d Answers:
* RFQ Submission Deadline/ Phase J uOlyn e1:6, 2026, by 3:00 PM
* Phase One Selection Notification: August 1, 2026
* Phase Two Concept Submission Deadli nSee:ptember 1, 2026, by 3:00 PM
* Final Artist Selection Notification :September 30, 2026
* Installation: October 30, 2026
December 1, 2026
All dates are subject t Fol echxiabnlgee, w atit thh ae tdaisrcgreett dioant eo of tf hSep Criintyg o2f0 D2u7l u th.
9. Contact Information
For questions or submissions, please contact:
Duluth Public Art Commission
dpac@duluthga.net
770-225-8827
3167 Main St. Duluth, GA 30096
10. Additional Information
For Photos see Exhibit A
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RFQ RED CLAY 2026-01
Exhibit A
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