RFQ: Creative Window Makers: Decals, Hand-Painted Signage & Storefront Art Installations

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) Creative Window Makers: Decals, Hand-Painted Signage & Storefront Art Installations  Issued by: North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC)In partnership with: Essex County Land Bank  Service Area: Ticonderoga, Elizabethtown, Town of Jay, Town of Moriah, Granville, Greenwich, and Surrounding Communities Issued: 7/15/2025Priority Deadline: 8/15/2025 (Rolling thereafter) Bring Our Main Streets to Life—One Window at a Time Do you see windows as blank canvases? Whether you design vibrant decals, paint storefront murals, or install signage that stops people in their tracks—we want to work with you. The North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC), in collaboration with the Essex County Land Bank and Ticonderoga Revitalization Alliance, is building a regional roster of creative professionals to transform storefronts into experiences. This effort is part of a larger movement—rooted in the success of Walls Between Waters mural festival. Through New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and the Vacant Rental Improvement Program (VRP), we're helping small towns reimagine what public-facing spaces can become. At the heart of this initiative is the preservation of place: a celebration of our downtowns' architectural heritage, historic facades, and the cultural identity embedded in our storefronts and apartments. These creative upgrades support modern businesses and housing while respecting the unique history of each block—blending the old and the new to create something unforgettable. Who We’re Looking For We are seeking creatives and contractors with expertise in: Full-window artistic decals Hand-painted signage Seasonal or semi-permanent painted window murals Creative storefront installations or display art Vinyl-cut typography or branding graphics Our projects engage businesses that represent the evolving spirit of our towns:Coffee shops | Maker co-ops | Gaming stores | Boutique laundromats | Specialty Italian food shops | Children’s museums | Breweries | Performing arts centers | Historic gas stations | Olive oil companies- and lots of apartments typology  These small enterprises are the modern heartbeat of buildings that tell a story—and we’re inviting you to help visualize that connection through art. Important Clarification: Decals & Vinyl Graphics For window decals and vinyl graphics, we welcome: Designers who create custom artwork, illustrations, or branded graphics Fabricators/installers who can print, cut, and apply decal designs created by others Professionals or teams who offer both services Even if you only fabricate and install, you're encouraged to apply. Many businesses select a designer from the roster and need a reliable partner to bring the work to life. Just tell us what you do—we’ll help connect the dots. What Makes This Opportunity Great This is a prequalification call to join our Creative Window Makers roster, not a bid on a specific job. Here's what you can expect: Your portfolio will be shared with participating businesses If selected, you'll receive a $250 design stipend to develop a concept If awarded the project, you'll receive competitive pay and an upfront deposit NRDC will assist with coordination, budgeting, and creative matchmaking Who Should Apply We invite: Designers & visual artists Sign painters, muralists, and typographers Vinyl professionals (print and install) Installers or contractors who can fabricate others’ design work (with collaboration and permission).  Creative teams who do it all How to Apply Send materials to contact@example.gov with the subject line:“Creative Window Makers RFQ – [Your Name or Business Name]” Please include: Brief letter of interest (1 page) Resume or artist bio 3–5 examples of relevant work (PDF, link, or social media) Description of services offered: – Design only – Fabrication/installation only – Both Sample pricing or budget range Contact info, website, and social media Why Join the Roster $250 design fee for every proposal invitation Upfront deposit + fair pay on all awarded projects Work across six revitalizing communities and more  Help shape downtown identity with high-profile, creative storefront art Be part of a growing public art network in the North Country Contribute to the preservation and storytelling of historic places through art Questions? Contact:Hope Carroll contact@example.gov | +1 (555) 000-0000 Design the Next Chapter of Downtown Life Our windows aren’t just glass—they’re storytelling surfaces. From Victorian brick to Art Deco lines to mid-century storefronts, these buildings speak. Let your work be part of the next layer of history. Join us in building something bold, beautiful, and rooted in place.   Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Set Aside: No Total MWBE Participation Goals: 20% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Contracting Goal: 10% Disadvantaged Owned Sub-Contracting Goal: 10% Due date:08/15/2025 4:00 PM Contract term: TBD County(ies): Essex, Warren, Washington Business entities awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: NA