Project Description: North Carolina State University seeks qualifications from artists to create a mural in Caldwell Hall Lounge for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS). This project aims to visually represent and celebrate CHASS’s role in shaping responsible innovation through deep thinking, cultural understanding, and human-centered approaches to solving complex global challenges. The college envisions the mural as a source of inspiration and pride for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors, while also reinforcing a sense of community and contributing
to NC State’s esteemed collection of public art on campus.
As a liberal arts college within a STEM-intensive university, CHASS leverages critical thinking and expertise in the human experience to inform advancements in science and technology. Home to more than 4,500 students and 43,000 living alumni, CHASS produces versatile graduates who
excel in fields ranging from health care and public service to technology, media, and beyond. Rooted in a heart-driven approach, CHASS embodies NC State’s “Think and Do” mantra by extending expertise to communities, solving real-world problems, and bridging the gap between academia and society.
This mural is a key component of a broader CHASS brand refresh initiative, which aims to elevate the college’s identity and communicate its vital contributions to the university, the state, and the world.
The mural will be prominently displayed on the west wall of Caldwell Lounge, a highly visible and heavily used common space that features high ceilings, ample natural light, and a welcoming atmosphere. The artist’s creative vision should reflect CHASS’s brand pillars and values while
inviting reflection, conversation, and engagement among viewers.
Project Budget and Design Scope: The total budget for this project is $40,000, inclusive of all costs associated with travel,
research, design, materials, fabrication, installation, insurance, and taxes. Coordination of any site impacts with the University is also part of the scope. The selected artist will confirm the feasibility of completing their project within the estimated project budget during preliminary design.
Project Site: The project is located at 2221 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC, in the North Campus Precinct.
Pre-Submittal Questions: Please submit questions by February 19, 2025, at 5:00 pm using the links below.
Submit Questions: Questions
View University Responses: Responses
Project Schedule: This mural will be installed during the Summer of 2025.
Design Process: The selected firm will work through Campus Planning and Strategic Investment along with a selection committee that includes CHASS and Public Art Committee representatives. The process will follow normal design procedures and University guidelines.
North Carolina State University reserves the right to refuse any or all submissions, to refuse any finalist, to waive informalities in proposals or procedures, or to withhold the award of commission should it be determined that submissions are not adequate, or for any other reason before the written contractual arrangement being reached.
Critical Selection Factors: First and foremost, selection will be based upon demonstrated artistic excellence by artists who have produced visionary and conceptual content and whose project will indeed visually represent the value and impact of CHASS. In addition, the strength of the submitted sketch proposal, the artist’s ties to North Carolina, the artist’s previous experience with similar projects, and the demonstrated ability of the artist to complete similar or related projects will also be considered as critical selection factors. Artists are requested to ensure receipt of proposals by 5:00 PM. on February 24, 2025.
Artist Selection Process:
Phase I: Submissions of Qualifications – Due by 5:00 PM on February 24, 2025.
Application Guidelines (Incomplete submissions will not be accepted)
● No hard copy qualifications will be accepted. Provide a single PDF file with all requested information/forms to the Project Manager
● Submittals through the website www.callforentry.org will also be accepted.
● Submittal to include:
○ Required submission form
○ One to two-page typewritten letter of interest addressing all of the above selection criteria including a beginning conceptual approach to the project.
○ Current résumé (no more than three pages).
○ Up to (10) images of representative projects from the artist’s body of work. Each file must be named with the artist’s surname and image number to correspond to an image list (e.g. 01 Smith). According to image number, also include an annotated list including title, media, dimensions, budget, and descriptive information.
○ Do not send additional supplementary materials.
Phase II: Campus Visit and Interview – invitations to those shortlisted by the Selection Committee.
The submission of qualifications will be reviewed by a University Selection Committee that includes representatives of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the University Public Art Committee.
The committee will invite three artists to visit the campus on March 19, 2025 to be interviewed and review the site. The university will provide a stipend of $1,000, inclusive of all travel expenses, to each artist for this visit. Each artist will submit a sketch proposal by April 23, 2025. Final review and artist selection will be made no later than May 2, 2025.
Questions/Proposal Submittal: In order for the selection process to be as objective as possible, do not contact members of the Board of Trustees or any University officials other than the Project Manager. All questions and project submittals are to be directed to:
Amy Bullington
NC State University- Campus Planning and Strategic Investment
2601 Wolf Village Way
Campus Box 7519
Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
Phone 919-515-8054
ambullin@ncsu.edu