Most communities tend to choose an exterior mural so more of the public can see it. You could also consider an interior mural of a public space, though it might be more difficult to get those permissions. If you don’t already know which building will be the site for the mural, this must be the first item to be discussed at the initial community planning meeting. If a wall can’t be located, the group could consider painting on a long wooden fence or create a portable mural on wood.

Get the necessary permission from business owner and get the measurements. Permission must be granted from building owner and if it is a huge size, your city’s Public Arts Council might need to grant you permission – sometimes they require sketches first. Keep in mind that this process can take a while as they might already have items on their next meeting’s agenda. Many public art councils meet once a month. 

CONDITION OF WALL / PRIMING

What is the condition of the wall? Who is responsible for fixing it as needed, cleaning and priming it? Is there a stipulation from the owner about how long the mural must or can live on the wall? Ten years is a normal number of years for a mural to look good. Depending on the condition of the wall prior to painting, the type and quality of the paint used, and the weather conditions – it might only look good for a few years. Do you need to add anti-graffiti coating – if so, who is responsible for the cost and application?

Document the wall from a few angles. Check the wall carefully for cracks, chipping or peeling paint, and other issues that will need to be fixed before a mural can be painted. Decide who will be responsible for fixing and priming the wall. Typically the building owner must fix the structural issues. Smaller issues such as chipping and peeling paint are a normal part of the preparation process but who is responsible. After cleaning and other preparations,  who will be priming the wall? It might need to be primed in a color other than white, so you should wait to prime the wall until after the design has been finalized and accepted.

WHAT TO DECIDE:

Building Address

Which wall (N, S, E, W or partial?)

Building Owner/Manager

     Contact Info

Condition of Wall (structural issues must be fixed by building owner)

     Who will document the wall(s)?

     Who will the check condition of the wall(s)?

     Who will fix cracks or other issues?

     Who will clean the wall?

     Who will remove chipped/peeling paint?

     Who will prime the wall?

     If anti-graffiti clear coat is wanted, who will paint it?