Wilson Arts and The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House and African American Museum invite muralists located in North Carolina to create a location-specific mural celebrating Wilson as a destination on the African American Music Trail of Eastern North Carolina.  Murals have always been powerful tools to educate and inform community members about a wide variety of topics including honoring local history.

African American Music Trails is an exploration of the long and rich heritage of African American music in Eastern North Carolina. The abundance of this music and its musicians is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Funk, blues, jazz, and gospel in Kinston, Tarboro, Wilson, and everywhere in between.  2023 has also been declared Year of the Trail by the North Carolina State Legislature making this year an optimal year to enhance Wilson as a destination on the African American Music Trail.

One artist will be chosen and will receive a $6,000 honorarium.  The artist is responsible for purchasing their own supplies and renting necessary equipment.  Wilson Arts can offer some supplies and support if it does not further impact the budget. 

Mural designs must be in incompliance with the City of Wilson’s Sign Ordinance.   637841496303130000 (wilsonnc.org) See 11.6.10 section on ORIGINAL ART MURALS.

Application Requirements

Artists are responsible for the entire mural execution, including hiring and paying assistants if the artist chooses.

To be considered, applicants must include the following:

• Small portfolio (2-5 images) of past mural works or non-mural works most similar to the project.
• Narrative on approach to the mural.  Including any other commission work to illustrate that you can adhere to a deadline will also be helpful.
• Artist statement: To include the biography, website, and/or social media
• Submit a preliminary budget (working within the $6,000 budget)  Be sure to include any equipment rentals, materials, artist, and assistant fees if there are any.)

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligibility is open to visual artists 18 years or older.