Call to Artists: ArtWorks Seeks Mural Designer by April 9

Jerry Springer, remembered for his multifaceted career as a mayor and renowned talk show host, leaves an enduring impact on Cincinnati. His support for Tender Mercies, a local nonprofit aiding homeless adults with severe mental illness, will be commemorated through a new ArtWorks mural this summer. Following his passing in 2023, close friends Jene Galvin and Cincinnati City Councilmember Jeff Cramerding initiated the project, aiming to honor Springer’s legacy by continuing his spirit of helping others. Galvin emphasized Springer’s desire to support causes like Tender Mercies, aligning with his ethos of caring for oneself and others.

Can you bring this vision to life? 

The selected artist will receive a design stipend of $2,500 for their work ($1,000 for 2 original design concept sketches & $1,500 for a final design).

If you are interested in being considered to design the new Tender Mercies Mural for Jerry Springer, please provide the following to Info@ArtWorksCincinnati.org:

• Name
• Address
• Phone
• Email
• 3-5 Images/Portfolio Samples
• Artist Headshot
• Artist Bio (250 words max)

All submissions must be submitted by Tuesday, April 9 at 11:59PM.

Timeline
Call to Artist Launch: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Call to Artists Close: Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Artist Selected: Monday, April 15, 2024
Design Concepts Due: Monday, April 29, 2024
Final Design Due: Monday, May 27, 2024
Mural Production Begins: Monday, June 3, 2024

Selection/Contracting Process
All submissions will be reviewed by ArtWorks and the mural’s project committee. ArtWorks may reach out to artists to request additional information if needed. The selected artist will be notified by April 15 and will be issued an official creative brief and design contract with ArtWorks.

Q&A with the Project Partner: 

What are the key objectives for this project?

• The objectives of the project are to leverage Jerry Springer’s celebrity and core message to raise funds for a charity that was close to his heart. Also, to keep his spirit of caring for one another alive in a city that “raised him” and he loved.

Who is this project for and how do you want people to feel when they view the work of art?

• The project is for Tender Mercies and its clients and the people who knew and loved Jerry Springer.

What content is critical to the work of art? Content means imagery of people, places, or things that contribute to the overarching desired message.

• The content of the work of art is a vertical image of Jerry Springer holding up his signature pose of the peace sign with the words, “Take care of yourself, and each other” somewhere present above or beside his image. Plus, a QR code that routes phone holders to a donate button for Tender Mercies through a produced pitch which we (Jerry Springer’s Friends) will produce and maintain on a server we’ll provide.

What style do you prefer or will help communicate your desired goals? Style means if the work is graphic, abstract, text-based, realism, etc.

• We invite the selected artist to use their creativity to capture Jerry’s essence but in a creative way to enhance viewers’ interest and support for the cause. In other words, respect Jerry and Tender Mercies, but be creative.

Learn more about the mural.