Hastings Arts and Culture Commission is seeking a Midwestern muralist for a future mural located on the southwest wall of the Hastings civic arena “celebrating Hastings and Hastings hockey history,” according to the commission’s request for proposals (RFP).
The mural, which faces Highway 61, is meant to be seen by passing cars and serve as a visual landmark for the community.
“We thought it would be a good opportunity to welcome people into Hastings,” said Arts and Culture Commission Chair Barb Hollenback.
The mural poses several challenges to would-be muralists. The space is 200 feet long by 24 feet tall and cannot be directly painted on. The mural must be able to be attached to the concrete wall upon installation. Otherwise, the call for proposals is purposely vague. Designs must include the phrases “Welcome to Hastings,” and “Hastings Civic Arena,” and celebrate the city and Hastings’ hockey history, but beyond that there are few stipulations.
“The purpose was that we cast a large net,” said Hollenback.
The expected cost of the mural ranges from $40,000-$60,000. The Arts and Culture Commission settled on that amount in part due to the previous work of the now-disbanded Arts Taskforce that commissioned the mural for Hastings Family Service, which cost roughly $20,000.
“Price is going to dictate the level of detail,” said Hollenback.
Proposals will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Sept. 1, 2024 with the current installation date of Nov. 1, 2025. That date is purposeful. Hastings Civic Arena will play host to Hockey Day Minnesota in 2026, and this mural is meant to “be in the center of the action,” according to the RFP.
The call for mural proposals comes while the civic arena itself is undergoing construction. The civic arena roof is being renovated with interior drains that run into storm sewers rather than simply off the sides of the roof and solar panels are also being installed on the roof to offset electricity costs.
The other main aspect of the construction is new refrigeration equipment for the rinks. Demolition ended in May of the old refrigeration equipment but delays in shipping have stalled work.
“We have bi-weekly construction meetings but there isn’t a lot to talk about right now,” said Arena Manager Jeff Elliot.
The civic arena is expected to open in early September and use portable refrigeration equipment in order to have a rink ready for use.
To read the full Arts and Culture Commission RFP visit https://www.hastingsmn.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/12048/638537910170470000