The Wyandotte Nation is seeking a talented Native American artist or artist team (preference given to Wyandotte Citizens) to design and install a large-scale mural that reflects the rich cultural heritage, traditions, stories, and aspirations of the Wyandotte people.  The mural will be publicly facing along U.S. Highway 60, adjacent to the public parking area at the Wyandotte Nation Pow-Wow Grounds (See photos).

You can view the Request for Proposal below or download it by clicking HERE.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Issued by: Wyandotte Nation Cultural Division

Date: May 9, 2025

  1. Project Overview

The Wyandotte Nation is seeking a talented Native American artist or artist team (preference given to Wyandotte Citizens) to design and install a large-scale mural which reflects the rich cultural heritage, traditions, stories, and aspirations of the Wyandotte people.  The mural will be publicly facing along U.S. Highway 60, adjacent to the public parking area at the Wyandotte Nation Pow-Wow Grounds.

  1. Project Objectives
  • Celebrate the identity, history, resilience and aspirations of the Wyandotte people
  • Foster cultural education and community pride through public art
  • Visually preserve key elements of the Wyandotte language, stories, and traditions
  • Support Wyandotte and Indigenous artists in creative storytelling
  1. Eligibility

Proposals are encouraged from:

  • Enrolled citizens of the Wyandotte Nation (priority consideration)
  • Indigenous artists from other recognized tribes
  • Artist with demonstrated experience in community-based or tribal public art
  • Artists with prior mural work and experience in large-scale installations
  1. Scope of Work

Design Phase

  • Develop a detailed mural concept which integrates community input and aligns with the project objectives
  • Present the proposed design for feedback and approval by the Wyandotte Nation Cultural Division

Execution Phase

  • Prepare mural site (already primed)
  • Execute the mural painting, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail
  • Work within health and safety best practices

Post Execution Phase

  • Complete project site cleanup to pre-project condition
  • Provide documentation of the completed work and recommendations for maintenance and preservation
  1. Mural Details
  • Location – Wyandotte Nation Pow-Wow Grounds, 69701 E. Highway 60, Wyandotte, Oklahoma 74370. Project area will be paved before project start date.
  • Dimensions – Ground level wall is approximately 22’ long x 10’ tall
  • Medium – Long-lasting, weather-resistant outdoor paint and / or materials
  • Theme – Centered on Wyandotte heritage – such as the journey from the Great Lakes region, symbolism, history, language (Wyandot), and cultural resurgence
  1. Timeline
  • RFP Released: May 9, 2025
  • Proposal Deadline: May 31, 2025
  • Artist Selection Date: June 13, 2025
  • Final Design Approval Date: June 30, 2025
  • Completion Deadline: August 15, 2025 (weather permitting)
  1. Budget

The artist / artist team is required to supply all necessary materials and equipment, including but not limited to: paint, brushes, ladders, clear coat, etc. The Wyandotte Nation will provide 25% of agreed budget at the beginning of the project and the final payment (remaining 75%) upon successful project completion.  Payment will include all artist fees, lodging of up to one week (if applicable due to artist’s distance from project site), and other reasonable and related expenses.

  1. Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include:

  • Artist statement and interest in the project
  • Resume or CV (include tribal affiliation, if applicable)
  • 3-5 examples of relevant artwork, particularly murals or public pieces
  • Preliminary design concept (optional but encouraged)
  • Detailed budget and estimated timeline
  • Two references (with contact information)
  • Proof of current General Liability Insurance
  1. Submission Instructions

Proposals must be submitted by May 31, 2025, to:

Contact Name: Kim Garcia

Title: Cultural Preservation Officer

Email: kgarcia@wyandotte-nation.org (email submissions are preferred using subject line: Wyandotte Mural Proposal – [Artist/Team Name]

Phone: 918-678-6317

Mailing Address: 5 Council Fire Road, Wyandotte, Oklahoma, 74370

 

  1. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee from the Cultural Division and will be based upon:

  • Cultural authenticity and relevance to Wyandotte traditions
  • Artistic merit and experience with similar projects
  • Community engagement strategy
  • Budget feasibility alignment
  • Preference for Wyandotte Nation citizens and Indigenous artists

For questions or additional information, please contact Kim Garcia.