BPG is looking for a designer for a downtown Wilmington mural

The corner of 9th and Shipley is pretty much smack in the middle of the downtown Wilmington renaissance and is home to some of the city’s thriving businesses.

Well, the backs of them, anyway.

The east side of the block is mostly brick wall, as well as the back doors of Market Street businesses such as Walgreens, Qdoba Mexican Eats and Atami Grill. Across the street is The Residences of Mid-Town Park’s outdoor pool area. Which makes that drab wall some prime eyeball real estate — the perfect blank slate for some public art.

The 9th and Shipley wall. The yellow square is the future mural’s site.

Buccini/Pollin Group (owners of The Residences of Mid-Town Park) and The Creative District have partnered to turn that corner into Wilmington-themed art by a local artist via a design competition.

Inspired by brick artwork celebrating cities across the country, BPG has put out a call for designers — and are encouraging digital and graphic designers to participate, too.

Here’s the evaluation criteria:

Originality of design

• Is the design original / unique?

Artistic merit of design

• Is the design visually and conceptually stimulating?
• What relevance does it have to Wilmington?
• Does the design interact with its viewers in the community? 
• How will it complement its surroundings?

The selected designer will receive $500; BPG will keep the other submissions for potential future design opportunities. The design will be proposed to the city by BPG, which will manage any red tape involved.

This contest is for the design only, and does not include the actual painting of the mural. The selected designer will have the option to submit a project proposal for the mural painting if they have previous outdoor mural experience.

Submitted designs should include a written summary describing the proposed design, artist contact information including name, address, telephone number and email address. Previous professional art experience not necessary. Email submissions to mural-design-contest@mail.asana.com by noon on May 31.