Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does the Message Mural project cost?
  The organization's cost (fees/materials) for implementing this project is $5,000 for (48" x 108" murals), plus reasonable travel expenses.  For-profit, large scale events and international projects average $10,000, plus reasonable travel expenses.  Travel expenses include travel, room and board for two (the artist and an assistant).
  

• Are there any discounts?
  Usually not, but the sponsoring organization can be creative in developing funding strategies.  For instance, corporate sponsors could underwrite the mural project, plus the added costs of printing a poster.  The poster, which would include their logo, would then be disseminated to the participants and others.
  

• Who gets to own the mural?
  Although the artist retains all rights to the image, the actual mural is property of the entity that contracts with the artist.  All non-profit groups are required to preserve the piece and keep it in the public trust for future generations to enjoy (that is, they can't give it to a retiring board member as a gift, etc).
  

• What if participants aren't "artistic?"
  Everyone has something to say --especially at a conference, where one goes to share ideas. Participants are actually asked to write a sentence on a piece of paper.   Those words are then combined with the artist's painting to create a mural that expresses a particular theme or concept related to the conference.
  

• How do we get people involved, what are the logistics?
  Since most conferences introduce the project during the opening plenary and since the mural is created in a central place on-site (see about the process), most conferees are aware of the project. The beauty is that the mural builds itself and becomes a  focal point for many, it generates enthusiasm to the point where everyone wants to get their message on.
  

• How are messages selected, who drives the artistic content?
  Every participant is allowed to write only one message on a small piece of paper (3" x 4").  Unless the message is terribly obscene or inappropriate, every message is glued on the canvas (space permitting).  The artist does consult with the organizers on the mural (receiving input and ideas), but is the final arbiter on what goes on the canvas.  Once the artist signs the mural it can not be modified again.  
  

• How much time before the conference does one have to coordinate this project?
  Naturally, the more time the better for the purposes of promoting the event prior to the conference (and to get better airfare rates).  The ideal is at least six to eight weeks.  However, since the only real barrier is the artist's schedule, the decision to create the mural can be made as early as ten days prior to the conference!

If you have any other questions please email the artist at
xavier@cortada.com or call 305-858-1323