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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPaint with Purpose Initiative Program GuidelinesRMAC // EXTERNAL HANDOUT PAINT WITH PURPOSE INITIATIVE GUIDELINES RMAC | City of Renton Page 1 of 6 The City of Renton’s Paint with Purpose initiative (“Initiative”) is a community-driven program designed to reduce graffiti and enhance the public spaces of Renton by turning them into vibrant, artistic areas which is also expected to also reduce vandalism and blighted conditions. This initiative engages property owners, businesses, public agencies, and local artists in a collaborative effort to combat graffiti through art while fostering community involvement and beautiflcation. 1. Initiative Overview The Paint with Purpose initiative allows property owners, businesses, and public agencies to partner with the City and local artists to create murals in areas affected by graffiti. By working together, the City and participating property owners can transform defaced properties into visually appealing spaces, while also providing opportunities for local artists to contribute to community enrichment. The City will establish a roster of artists for implementation of the initiative. Property owners who participate will be expected to sign an agreement with the City related to maintenance and other terms. Regardless of degree of public funding under this initiative, all projects must meet all applicable City code permitting or other requirements. Summary Process Outline: 1. Establish roster of artists (call for artists, selection) 2. Select properties from applications (call for interest, which will include “high-risk graffiti” areas) 3. Review and coordinate mural installations (“matchmaking”/contracts as applicable) 2. Eligibility Criteria • Eligible Participants: Public agencies, businesses, and property owners within Renton city limits who currently have graffiti and/or are located in high-risk graffiti areas. • Eligible Properties: Public and private properties that are susceptible to graffiti or have been previously impacted by vandalism, to the extent those properties are readily accessible to, or viewed by, the general public. 3. Proposal, Application and Approval Process 3.1 Interest Form Submission – (“Proposal”) 1. Property owners, businesses, or public agencies interested in participating must submit an interest form to the City of Renton, which will be publicly available. The application should include details about the property (e.g., location, residential or business, portion/extent of property susceptible), any past or current graffiti issues, and initial ideas for a mural design. Paint with Purpose Initiative Guidelines RMAC | City of Renton Page 2 of 6 2. For public properties for which an interest is expressed, and the agency has not submitted the form, the City will initiate the process by contacting the relevant public agency. 3. Property owners will have on-going maintenance responsibility. 3.2 Site Visit (“Pre-application meeting”) After receiving the interest form, City representatives, along with the artists on the roster described in Section 11, will visit the site to assess the location and discuss the proposed mural concept. This step ensures that the mural flts within the City’s objectives for beautiflcation and graffiti reduction. 3.3 Proposal Submission (“Application”) A formal proposal will be developed collaboratively by the artist and property owner, with support from the Community and Economic Development Department. It will include the mural design, budget estimates, funding expectations (with cost breakdowns between the City and property owner), and a timeline for completion. As part of the application property owner will acknowledge their responsibilities for maintenance of the mural. 3.4 Proposal Review and Funding Approval 1. Mural applications will be considered for installation under the City’s Public Art Exemption review criteria and procedures (RMC 4-9-160) for flnal approval before installation. 2. The Renton Municipal Arts Commission (RMAC) may review the proposal to ensure it meets artistic standards and community guidelines under the public art exemption procedures (RMC 4-9-160.G). 3. Initiative funds will be allocated based on the project scope and available resources, with payment issued directly to the artist upon completion. 4. Project applications will be considered for which property owners seek to engage artists from the roster but are not seeking funding. 4. Design and Implementation 4.1 Design Development The property owner, selected artists, and the City will collaborate on the flnal mural design, ensuring adherence to the City’s public art exemption procedure (RMC 4-9-160) and community standards. 4.2 Master Application and Permit Process The property owner must submit a notarized Master Application for the Art Exemption permit, including the mural design, photographs, scaled drawings, and a biographical sketch of the artist. The application will be reviewed by the Planning Department for permit approval and recorded in EnerGov. Paint with Purpose Initiative Guidelines RMAC | City of Renton Page 3 of 6 4.2.1 Public Art Exemption Criteria 1. The mural will be exempt from the City’s Sign Code if it meets criteria established under RMC 4-9-160.C, such as pedestrian accessibility, non-distracting design for motorists, stationary placement, good taste, and durability for at least 10 years. 2. The artist must be recognized by RMAC pursuant to RMC 4-9-160.B; artists in the roster for this program will be deemed to meet this requirement. The mural’s siting, size, and design must refiect community values including compliance with the most recently published guidelines in the RMAC Grant Program. 4.2.2 Exemption Process 1. The Community and Economic Development Administrator, or their designee, will review the application and may forward it to RMAC for artistic merit review as required by code. 2. After review, and as determined by the Community and Economic Development Administrator or their designee, a public art exemption permit will be issued subject to the appeal process. 4.3 Artist Engagement and Execution 1. Once the design and permits are approved, local artists selected by the property owner from the roster will be contracted between the City and the artist to execute the mural. As determined by the artist and property owner, community members may be invited to participate in the painting process through volunteer opportunities. 2. The mural must be completed within the agreed-upon timeline, with regular check-ins from City representatives to monitor progress and ensure the project meets quality standards. Additional standard City contract terms will be included in the artist contract. 5. Maintenance and Longevity 5.1 Mural Maintenance The artist and property owner will develop and provide a binding maintenance plan for the mural which describes responsibilities for ongoing care, including touch-ups or repairs as needed. The City is not responsible for mural maintenance. 5.2 Anti-Graffiti Coating To protect the mural from future tagging, an anti-graffiti coating shall be applied to the mural once completed. This will be factored into the total project budget. 5.3 Property Owner Responsibilities Paint with Purpose Initiative Guidelines RMAC | City of Renton Page 4 of 6 Property owners must agree to maintain the mural for a minimum of flve (5)years. At the end of the flve-year period, the mural may be updated or renewed based on the needs of the property and the community. 6. Graffiti Prevention Reporting Residents and business owners are encouraged to report graffiti to Code Compliance through Renton Responds or by calling (425) 430-7362. Graffiti observed in-progress should be reported to 9-1-1. 7. Initiative Metrics and Evaluation The City will track the success of the Paint with Purpose initiative using the following metrics: 1. Graffiti Reduction: The number of graffiti incidents reported before and after the mural installation. 2. Community Feedback: Collecting feedback from residents, property owners, and visitors on the impact of the murals. 3. Artist Engagement: Monitoring the number of local artists engaged in the initiative and their satisfaction with the process. 4. Property Owner Participation: Tracking the number of businesses and property owners involved in the initiative, and their satisfaction. 8. Legal and Liability Considerations 8.1 Property owner contracts: All participating property owners who access artist connections and/or Paint with Purpose funds will be required to contract with the City regarding liability, maintenance, project scope and other relevant terms. 8.2 Artist Contracts: All artists will sign a contract with the City outlining intellectual property rights, project scope, timelines, and compensation. Artists must ensure their work is covered under appropriate insurance, including liability insurance. 9. Contact Information For more information or to apply for the initiative, property owners and businesses can contact Jessie Kotarski at jkotarski@rentonwa.gov or by phone at (425) 430-7271. 10. Budget and Funding Strategy 1. To ensure the initiative’s sustainability and maximize community engagement, the City will allocate an annual budget to fund at least 3 to 5 mural projects. The City will cover up to a maximum of one-half (50%) of the total project costs, not to exceed $10,000, with the remaining project costs to be provided by participating property owner(s) which may include direct contributions, grants, sponsorships, or fundraising at the discretion of the property owner(s). Paint with Purpose Initiative Guidelines RMAC | City of Renton Page 5 of 6 2. Property owner(s) are encouraged to consider requesting less that the maximum to the extent alternative funding is available, while still accessing artists recognized under the “Paint with Purpose” initiative. Estimated Annual Budget: 1. Minimum: $30,000 (at least 3 projects at up to $10,000 each) 2. Maximum: $50,000 (at least 5 projects at up to $10,000 each) 11. Paint with Purpose: Artist Roster Program and Process 1. Artist Application: Artists submit applications, including portfolios, references, and a statement of interest, to be considered for the roster and determination of recognition by the RMAC. Application to, and/or selection for participation in, the Artist Roster does not guarantee selection or award of Initiative funds for producing a mural under this Initiative. All submissions are subject to the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). 2. Artist Review: The Renton Municipal Arts Commission (“RMAC”) review applications based on criteria such as artistic quality, experience, community impact, and alignment with the City’s goals for beautiflcation and graffiti reduction to provide artist recognition compliant with RMC 4-9-160. 3. Artist Selection for Roster: Once reviewed, selected artists are added to an approved roster. Artists completing review and selected will be deemed to have been “recognized” by the RMAC for Paint with a Purpose pursuant to RMC 4-9-160. The Artist Roster for the Paint with a Purpose Initiative will be maintained for up to three (3) years or until all funds for the Initiative have been expended, whichever term comes flrst. The qualiflcations for the Artist Roster include the most recently published guidelines in the RMAC Art Grant program and are selected according to: 1. Experience and Portfolio: Demonstrated experience in creating public art, murals, or large-scale artwork, with a portfolio showcasing completed projects. 2. Technical Skills: Proflciency in various artistic techniques and materials suitable for outdoor, long-lasting murals (e.g., weather-resistant paints, coatings). 3. Artistic Vision and Style: A creative approach that aligns with the city's objectives for beautiflcation, community engagement, and cultural expression. 4. Understanding of Public Art: Knowledge of public art installation processes, including project timelines, safety standards, and permits. 5. References: Positive recommendations from previous mural or public art projects, or a history of working in a similar public or municipal context. Paint with Purpose Initiative Guidelines RMAC | City of Renton Page 6 of 6 6. Commitment to Collaboration: Willingness to work with the city and property owners to meet project goals. 7. Insurance and Liability: Ability to provide necessary insurance and comply with safety regulations for outdoor art installations. 8. Local Engagement: Preference for artists based in or familiar with the community to ensure cultural relevance and engagement. 4. Property Owner Access to Artist Roster: Property owners interested in having a mural created on their buildings can browse the roster of recognized artists. They could review portfolios, prior works, and artist bios submitted as part of the application to flnd a style and skill set that aligns with their vision for the mural. 5. Artist-Property Owner “Matchmaking”: Once a property owner selects an artist from the roster, the City may facilitate an initial meeting to discuss the concept, budget, timeline, and any logistical considerations. 6. Ongoing Communication: The City will provide ongoing support throughout the process, ensuring that both artists and property owners are meeting expectations of the initiative and maintaining a smooth, collaborative process.