Art Calls & Opportunities

A: It’s an open invitation for artists to submit their work or proposals for a specific opportunity – like displaying art in your cafe, creating a mural for your building, or designing something custom for your business. Think of it like a job posting, but for creative work.

No. Asking for custom sketches upfront is considered disrespectful to professional artists and devalues their labor. Sketch requirements are typically reserved for students or emerging artists building portfolios.
Instead, use a two-phase process: Start with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) where artists submit existing portfolio work. Review those and narrow down to 3-5 finalists. Then invite finalists to submit sketches, mockups, or proposals, and pay them for this work (typically $150-$500 depending on project scale). This respects artists’ time while still giving you the information you need to make a decision.

A: FOCOVAC connects you with a wider pool of local artists and helps you find the right fit. We also help set professional expectations so both you and the artist have a smooth experience. Plus, you’re supporting the local arts community!

A: Yes, in most cases. Artists are professionals: just like you’d pay a contractor, graphic designer, or photographer, you should budget to pay visual artists for their work and time. If you truly can’t pay (community fundraiser, nonprofit with zero budget), be very transparent about that in your call. Artists can decide if it’s worth it for them.

A: It varies based on the project demand. A simple art display in your cafe might cost nothing (artists handle everything, you just provide wall space). A custom mural could range from $1000-$5,000+ depending on size and complexity. A commissioned piece might be $250-$2,000+. When in doubt, ask FOCOVAC or research similar projects. Artists appreciate when you’re upfront about budget from the start.

DO:

✅ Be clear about budget, timeline, and expectations upfront
✅ Put agreements in writing (even a simple email confirming details)
✅ Pay promptly (just like you’d pay any vendor)
✅ Give credit! Tag them on social media, put their name on a placard
✅ Communicate if something changes
✅ Treat them like the professionals they are

DON’T:

❌ Ask for free work “for exposure”
❌ Micromanage their creative process (you hired them for their expertise!)
❌ Change terms after agreeing
❌ Use their work without permission in ways you didn’t discuss
❌ Ghost them if you change your mind

A: Communication is key! If there’s a sketch/proposal phase, give feedback early. If the finished work isn’t right, refer to your agreement. Did they meet the terms? If it’s a miscommunication, talk it through. If it’s a real problem, FOCOVAC might be able to help mediate.

A: Sometimes! If you have a specific project and want a recommendation, email hello@focovac.org. We might be able to point you toward artists from our roster or suggest posting a call to get options.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Public Art/Mural – Outdoor or prominent indoor art visible to the public (side of your building, lobby wall)
• Gallery Exhibition – Displaying existing artwork in your space for a set period (rotating art in your cafe/office)
• Juried Show – Competitive exhibition where artists submit and someone selects which pieces are shown
• Commission – You’re hiring an artist to create something specific for you from scratch
• Artist Residency – Artist works in your space over time, often with access to studio/workspace
• Artwork Purchase – You’re buying existing artwork outright to keep
• Competition/Award – Contest with prizes or recognition
• Open Call for Portfolio Review – You want to see artists’ work to potentially work with them later

Still not sure? Email us at hello@focovac.org and we’ll help you figure it out!

A: This is about how the art is made. Painting, photography, sculpture, etc. If you have a brick wall, you’d probably want painting/mural. If you have shelf space, maybe sculpture or ceramics. Don’t stress–if you’re open to anything, just check “All mediums welcome.”

A: The last day artists can apply. Give people at least 2-3 weeks to put together a good submission. If it’s urgent, mention that and be understanding if you get fewer applicants.

A: When you’ll tell artists whether they were selected or not. It’s courteous to let everyone know either way – a quick “thanks but no thanks” email is appreciated. Even if it’s just “we’ll notify selected artists by [date].”

A: When you need the finished work installed/delivered/completed. For a mural, that’s when it needs to be painted. For an exhibition, that’s when art should be hung and ready to view.

• Paid commission/fee – You’re paying the artist for their TIME and SKILL to create something (like hiring them to paint a mural – you pay for their labor)
• Artwork purchase – You’re buying a piece they’ve already made (like buying a painting off their wall to hang in your office – you own it forever)
• Stipend + materials – You’re giving them some money PLUS covering the cost of supplies (paint, canvas, etc.)

A: You’re not paying the artist for their time, but you’ll buy the paint, canvas, or whatever supplies they need. Heads up: Most professional artists won’t accept this unless it’s for a cause they really care about. It’s like asking a plumber to work for free but you’ll buy the pipes.

• Artist retains copyright – They own the rights to the image/design. You can display the physical piece, but they can sell prints, use it in portfolios, etc.
• Shared/limited license – You both have some rights (maybe you can use it in marketing, they can use it in their portfolio)
• Client owns copyright (Work for Hire) – You own ALL rights – they can’t even photograph it for their website without permission. This usually costs more.
• Negotiable – You’re open to discussing what works for both of you

If this feels confusing, just pick “Artist retains full copyright” – that’s standard and fair for most projects.

A: Common requests:

• Portfolio samples (5-10 images of past work so you can see their style)
• Artist statement (short paragraph about their work/approach)
• Proposal or sketch (if you want ideas specific to your project)
• Resume/CV (if experience matters to you)
• References (past clients/venues they’ve worked with)

Start simple: Just portfolio samples and a brief intro is fine for most projects!

A: Some big juried shows charge fees to apply (to cover jury costs, admin time, etc.). For most business calls, don’t charge a fee. You’re asking artists to work for/with you, so making them pay to apply feels off. Only charge if it’s a major competitive show with prizes.

A: How will you decide? Options:

• You pick your favorite (totally fine!)
• Committee/staff vote (get input from your team)
• First-come-first-served (whoever applies first gets it)
• Jury panel (formal review by multiple people – usually for big shows)

Just be clear so artists know what to expect.

A: Depends on your project!

• Mural = 1 artist  or artist team
• Business exhibition = maybe 1-4 artists, or rotating monthly
• Group show = 5-15 artists
• Open call to build a list = as many as fit your needs

A: Absolutely. Local-only is totally reasonable, especially if they need to install/maintain work. FOCOVAC focuses on Fort Collins artists, so that’s our sweet spot anyway.

A: Things like:

• Liability insurance (for big murals/public art – protects you both)
• Business license (if you need it for your records/contracts)
• Ability to install their own work (can they hang heavy pieces safely?)
• Specific software/skills (if it’s digital work)
• Background check (for work in schools, etc.)

Most small projects don’t need any of this. Only mention what’s truly necessary.

A: Insurance that protects if something goes wrong (artist falls off ladder, damages your property, etc.). You probably only need this for:

• Big outdoor murals
• Construction/installation projects
• High-value commissions

For simple art displays in your cafe? Skip it unless the artwork is unusually dangerous.

A: FOCOVAC reviews submissions within 3-5 business days. We’ll email you when it’s live!

A: Too many: That’s a good problem! Review them thoughtfully–every artist put in time and effort–and break down your top 20, your top 10, and so on.
Not enough: Extend your deadline, broaden eligibility (maybe Northern Colorado instead of just Fort Collins?), or increase your budget if possible. Also reach out to FOCOVAC, we might be able to help spread the word or give advice.

A: Yes, but contact us ASAP at hello@focovac.org. If artists have already submitted, major changes (especially to budget/deadlines) aren’t cool. Small clarifications are fine.

A: You don’t have to, but it’s really appreciated. Even a quick “Thank you for applying, we’ve selected another artist” means a lot. Artists put time into applications – basic courtesy goes a long way.