Call Description

The City of Sarasota Public Art Program invites experienced muralists to apply for a public art commission as part of the Florida Legacy Arts Mural Series. This project will result in a large-scale mural on a multi-family residential building at the corner of 10th Street and Osprey Avenue, a prominent intersection adjacent to Gillespie Park and near Sarasota’s downtown core.

The mural must reflect the theme of Florida Flora and Fauna, with a focus on local and native bird species found throughout Sarasota. Artists are encouraged to propose original, nature-based designs that may include species such as the Osprey or Monk/Canaday Parakeet, alongside native plant life. The mural should celebrate Sarasota’s natural environment while enhancing the identity of the surrounding neighborhood.

The wall is approximately 1,200 square feet (click here for site details) and features a distinctive window layout, inviting dynamic, site-specific designs that respond to the building’s architecture. The location is adjacent to Gillespie Park, an approximately 10-acre community green space that includes walking trails, a butterfly garden, duck pond, tennis courts, playground, and dog park. Facing 10th Street, the mural site will be highly visible to pedestrians, park visitors, and daily traffic. 

This opportunity is open to local, regional, and national artists. Preference will be given to those listed on the City of Sarasota’s 2024–2026 Public Art Roster, although listing is not required to apply.

The commission budget is up to $45,000, inclusive of all costs (artist fees, materials, rentals, insurance, travel, and coatings). A panel will review applications and recommend up to ten semi-finalists. From those semi-finalists, the Public Art Committee will select 3–5 finalists, each receiving a $500 stipend to develop a full-color concept and materials plan. The final design will be selected by the Public Art Committee with input from the surrounding neighborhood during a public meeting.

The selected artist will enter into an agreement with the City and will have up to 45 days to complete the mural. The artist is responsible for priming the wall and applying UV-protective and anti-graffiti coatings to ensure the work’s long-term durability.

Application Requirements

Artists must submit the following through CaFÉ to be considered:

• Cover Letter
  A brief statement introducing yourself and your interest in the Florida Legacy Arts Mural Series, including how your practice aligns with the theme of Florida Flora and Fauna.
• Resume/CV
  Highlighting public art experience, exhibitions, commissions, awards, and relevant professional history.
• Portfolio
  Upload at least two (2) examples of completed large-scale murals or similar public art projects. Ensure images are well-labeled and provide context when needed.
• Project Narrative
  A one-page written description of your proposed concept, explaining how it interprets the Florida Flora and Fauna theme and responds to the site context.
• Preliminary Sketch or Visual Concept (optional but encouraged)
  Conceptual renderings or illustrations may be submitted. AI-assisted designs must be clearly labeled as such.

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to:

• Professional muralists or artist teams based locally, regionally, or nationally.
• Artists with a strong background in large-scale murals or similar public artworks.
• Preference will be given to artists listed on the City of Sarasota 2024–2026 Public Art Roster.

Artists working collaboratively must identify a lead contact person and ensure all members are represented in the application materials.