Why?
What’s the purpose of the mural?
- Beautify a neglected site.
- Solve a problem like graffiti.
- Commemorate an event.
- Promote inclusion and diversity.
- Is a mural the best option?
Where?
Do you have a site in mind?
- Who owns it – do they want a mural on the site?
- Does the site have special significance to mana whenua?
- Who are the neighbours and how might they be affected?
- Are there heritage requirements/constraints?
- What consents and permissions are required?
How (much)?
Who’s going to pay for the mural AND for its maintenance? How much do you want to spend? Where is the money going to come from?
Costs can include:
- Artist’s fees: design and application.
- Surface preparation.
- Installation costs like scaffolding, safety equipment, traffic management.
- Materials.
- Ongoing maintenance.
- Future removal if decommissioned.
Planning and parameters
Talk to the people who will be affected by the mural: the local community, neighbours and business around the site. Check whether mana whenua have a particular interest in the proposed site. Get written permissions from building owner and any tenants; this could be DCC if the site is in a reserve or road reserve. Confirm who will own the artwork once it’s completed.
Remember that murals are temporary artworks.
- Review the work towards the end of its lifespan, usually 4-7 years.
- If the mural will stay for longer, who’ll cover the cost of maintaining it?
- Who covers the cost of removal if required?
Develop a project brief.
People
Who do you need on your team? Who does what?
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Makes sure all the I’d are dotted and the t’s crossed.
ARTIST
Leads the creative process and (usually) the installation.
COMMUNITY GROUP
May contribute to the project & artist’s brief for a community-centred or led project.
Preparation
Commission your Artist
The method you choose will depend on the sort of project you are organising.
- Open call (widely advertised, open to all).
- Limited call (selected artists are invited to submit ideas).
- Direct commission (a specific artist is invited to develop the design).
- Other, eg: community-designed with an artist advising.
Decide your most important criteria for selecting an artist. Could include:
- Creative style.
- Professional experience and quality of previous work.
- Community project experience.
Think about…
- What style you want for the mural.
- Is there specific subject matter you would like incorporated?
- How much artistic freedom the artist will have.
- What you need the artist to do.
Develop an artist brief.
Check
Do you need a resource consent for your mural?
Talk to Ara Toi staff and discuss your plans with a DCC Duty Planner (at DCC Reception) or by emailing planning@dcc.govt.nz
Planning and parameters
Talk to the people who will be affected by the mural: the local community, neighbours and business around the site. Check whether mana whenua have a particular interest in the proposed site. Get written permissions from building owner and any tenants; this could be DCC if the site is in a reserve or road reserve. Confirm who will own the artwork once it’s completed.
Remember that murals are temporary artworks.
- Review the work towards the end of its lifespan, usually 4-7 years.
- If the mural will stay for longer, who’ll cover the cost of maintaining it?
- Who covers the cost of removal if required?
Develop a project brief.
CELEBRATE!
