On May 20, 2024, the Hastings City Council approved initial plans to install a mural on the southwest wall of the Civic Arena facing Highway 61. The Arts & Culture Commission proposed hiring a Midwest artist to create a mural that would welcome visitors and celebrate Hastings’ hockey history. The mural is to be completed before January 2026, so it can be featured at Hockey Day Minnesota.
The estimated financial impact is between $40,000 to $60,000 with $16,000 from 2023 budget carryover, $10,000 from 2024 budget, $13,000 from 2025 budget, $21,000 from Arena Project and potential donations. The current Civic Arena Project is projected to come under budget due to receipt of the Mighty Ducks Grant, which frees up money to possibly supplement the mural project.
Artists interested in this project must submit: an artist statement, a project proposal, a resume no longer than two pages, a biography 300 word or less, no more than 10 examples of relevant work, and a descriptive sample list adding to the samples (two pages max). The design will be evaluated on how well it incorporates the theme, how welcoming it is to visitors and its overall aesthetic. Selection criteria will also include installation of artwork on the side of the building, past work samples, and willingness to sign an artist project agreement. The Arts & Culture Commission will meet to select the proposals and present them to the Parks Department and then to the City Council and Mayor for final approval.
The three finalists chosen will receive a stipend of $1,000 to then submit full proposals. The proposed deadline for entries is 11:59 p.m. September 1, 2024. Finalist to be notified by September 23, 2024, with expected installation date of before November 1, 2025.