How much does a mural cost?
Same considerations as above, but also includes type of materials, lifting equipment, promotion and administration costs.

To coat or not to coat? Should you use a coating over the mural?
There is still much debate about this issue, but most of the participants agreed with the Mural Routes recommendation not to use coatings if they are being used as only as protection from graffiti. It is cheaper and easier to paint over the occasional tag. Coatings should be used with caution as they can yellow, crack or cause deterioration of the painting. It is a good idea to try and find a coating that will provide some UV protection.

If a mural is painted on paneling, what is the best type of material to use?
Marine grade plywood or sign board (Crezone trade name). Another material is Dibond – an aluminum based product that can be easily cut and shaped.

Do you have a sample contract? Call for artists? Wall owner contracts?
The best book is Artists' Contracts: Agreements for Visual and Media Artists by Paul Sanderson and Ronald N. Hier published by CARFAC Ontario, 2006. The Mural Production Handbook (published by Mural Routes) also has some sample contracts and advice on what should be covered in a contract.
For more links, see Contracts & Copyrights resources.

What about insurance?
General liability to cover 3rd party injury is essential on a mural site; usually provided by the person commissioning the mural. Personal accident insurance for the artist(s) is something that artists should take care of as part of their professional risk management.

As an artist, how can I find mural work?
Check websites, join networks, check arts publications. Visual Arts Ontario and Mural Routes advertise calls for mural artists. Promote yourself by having a website.

How do you get permission to paint on a wall?
Contact the owner of the wall. The tenant might be agreeable but does not have the right to give permission. Chain/franchise stores are usually harder to get permission from – go to the top with your request.

How do you find walls?
Drive around, ask around, do an inventory of blank walls. Look for walls with good visibility or have need of improvement. Inspect for potential challenges (damp or other deterioration.) Approach the owners.

What kind of maintenance do murals need?
This is an ongoing concern. To reduce the risk of potential deterioration, start with a well prepared wall (fixing, cleaning, and priming.) If painting on brick, it is a good idea to some exposed brick unpainted to allow moisture to escape. Wash murals to protect from pollution (gentle washing only should be done by a professional.) Monitor regularly. Create a maintenance fund for more major repairs. Always ask the original artist first if repairs are need.

Do you worry about graffiti tagging on murals?
This is not usually a problem although there are always exceptions. A well executed mural will seldom get tagged.

Can vandalism be controlled by murals?
Usually murals help eliminate the possibilities of tagging where they exist.

Who owns the finished mural?
The individual or group that commissioned the mural usually owns the mural; but this should be made clear in a written contract with the wall owner.

Who owns the copyright to the mural?
The artist owns the copyright of the mural (unless this is waived in a written contract.) It is common for the group that commissions or manages a mural project to ask for permission to reproduce images of the mural for promotional purposes. If merchandize is created and sold, such as postcards, prints and posters, an arrangement should be made with the artists regarding payment of royalties for use of the image.