Project Overview

The Alexandria Public Art Program is inviting artists/muralist to submit their qualifications to design and execute a mural on the exterior door of the Torpedo Factory Art Center loading dock. This call is open to all local and regional professional artists living and working in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C. The program goals of the projects are to:

• Inspire, engage, and delight the community and visitors to Old Town Alexandria.
• Spark curiosity and draw interest to the space that further welcomes the public to experience the artists’ studios, galleries, and museum space (Alexandria Archaeology Museum) inside the Art Center.
• Improve the pedestrian experience by bringing light, color, and public interaction (photos!) to a shadier side of the building.
• Bring a vibrant and contemporary presence to the Union Street frontage of the building that is reflective of a modern Art Center.

About the Torpedo Factory Arts Center

Founded in 1974 in an old munitions plant, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the nation’s largest collection of working-artists’ open studios under one roof. The mission of the Torpedo Factory Art Center is to foster connections among artists and the public that ignite the creative spirit. Within the Torpedo Factory Art Center, artists create works in a wide variety of media including painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, stained glass, fiber, printmaking, and sculpture in 71 artists’ studios. As an Alexandria landmark for nearly 50 years, it’s a highlight of the City’s waterfront, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually.

For more information about the history of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, please visit: https://torpedofactory.org/about-us/history/. 

Budget

Up to four finalists will receive a stipend of $500 to prepare a conceptual design. The selected artist will receive $10,000 for final design, materials, and installation of the mural.

Project Scope

• The mural is only permitted on the loading door (which is a roll-up style door), and not on the building.
• The mural will be painted on the door by the selected artist.
• The design of the mural should also be appropriate for and inspire all audiences.
• The artist will be required to apply an anti-graffiti coating to the mural.
• The selected artist will be required to meet with the community prior to beginning mural installation, and the conversations may inform the final design.

Selection and Review Process

Finalists will be selected and invited to prepare a conceptual design for a stipend. The selected artist and concept will be recommended by the Task Force and approved by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.

Additional Resources

Two approved plans guide the arts in Alexandria: 

• Public Art Implementation Plan
• Arts and Culture Master Plan

Application Requirements

To apply, please include: 

• a brief letter describing your project approach.
• a CV/resume
• Images of previous work samples (up to 8)
• Image list (titles, mediums, sizes, years)
• the names, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 3 references.

Please do not send specific proposals at this time.

Eligibility Criteria

Artists must be 18 years or older to apply. Emerging artists and artists who have not made public art are encouraged to apply if they have experience as a working artist as evidenced by their portfolio, exhibition record, critical reviews, honors, awards, etc. This call is open to all local and regional artists living and working in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C.