Downtown Mural Project

Call for Artists – Downtown Garland Seeking Two Signature Artworks in Preparation for Oct. 14 Grand Opening 

THE CITY OF GARLAND ANNOUNCES A $46,250 MULTI-FACED DOWNTOWN MURAL PROJECT.  

Downtown Garland announces a call for professional mural artists to submit qualifications to be considered for the design and installation of two (2) publicly viewable murals on exterior walls for two (2) buildings. Artists may submit qualifications for one or two walls with the complete understanding and acceptance that each submission will be scored and awarded independently. 

The art for the eastern elevation of 601 W. State Street, Garland, TX 75040, will be: 

  • Site-specific 
  • Culturally and socially appropriate for the community of Garland 
  • Able to last for at least 15 years without any required maintenance 
  • Able to incorporate pedestrian interaction from the sidewalk  
  • Considerate of elements of the City’s history from inception to now in a dynamic and engaging presentation 

The art for the most eastern elevation of 409 Main Street, Garland, TX 75040, will be: 

  • Site-specific 
  • Culturally and socially appropriate for the community of Garland 
  • Able to last for at least 15 years without any required maintenance 
  • Able to incorporate elements of a welcome approach into the district 
  • Considerate of elements of the City’s history from inception to now in a dynamic and engaging presentation 

SITE SPECIFICATIONS AND BUDGETS

Applicants are encouraged to propose participatory or interactive designs maximizing the use of each wall. Applicants are required to demonstrate how the preparation and cleaning material, paint material, and any other applicable materials necessary for the murals’ completion are compatible with the current surface of the wall. Proposals shall not exceed the budget listed and will be inclusive of all costs associated with the timely completion of the mural, including but not limited to design fees, materials (including shipping costs and additional fees), labor, rentals, travel, per diem expenses, commercial liability insurance, and contingency funds. 

  • The eastern elevation of 601 W. State Street comprises a 43’ x 20’ wall of painted plaster and has a budget allocation of up to $21,500. 
  • The most eastern elevation of 409 Main Street comprises painted wood planking, approximately 110' x 9', and has a budget allocation of up to $24,750. 

SCHEDULE

  • Monday, August 14: Call for Artists opens 
  • Monday, August 28: Submission deadline 
  • Thursday, August 31: Artists Announced or Finalists Announced 
  • Wednesday, September 6: Finalist’s concepts due 
  • Thursday, September 7: Artists Selection Announcement 
  • Monday, October 2: Murals must be complete 

ELIGIBILITY

Any Texas-based artist or collection of artists with demonstrated experience in large-format artwork may apply. Artists may submit qualifications for one or two walls with the complete understanding and acceptance that each submission will be scored and awarded independently. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To be considered, all applicants are required to complete a primary contact form and upload the materials below by 11:59 PM CST, Monday, August 28, 2023. 

  1. Primary Contact Information: Each submission must include a primary contact 
  2. Statement of Interest: The statement of interest shall include the reason for pursuing this opportunity, which wall(s) are being submitted for, an explanation for why the artist or collection of artists is the best candidate and a brief overview of the artist’s or collection of artist’s experiences in large-format artwork. 
  3. Resume: The artist shall submit a professional resume; if the submission is for a collection of artists, each artist shall submit a resume. 
  4. Supporting Works: Include at least three (3) digital images of completed works with an image identification sheet with descriptions. 
  5. Sketch(s): Include a proposed sketch of a possible design for the mural. If submitting for both walls, a sketch for each wall will be required. 

SELECTION

 A selection committee will select finalists for each wall to create a site-specific proposal. Finalists are required to participate in an in-person site visit and will receive an artist fee of $250 for renderings. 

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must complete the form at the link below by 11:59 PM CST, Monday, August 28, 2023, to be considered. 

APPLY HERE

CONTACT

 Questions regarding this Call for Artists should be directed to Letecia McNatt, lmcnatt@garlandtx.gov, call or text 469-628-0680. 

Eastern elevation of 601 W. State Street

Photo of space for mural on State St.


Most eastern elevation of 409 Main Street