Call Description

About the Opportunity: 

The City of Henderson is calling on all artists to design and create a large-scale mural on the wall of the Oceanside Apartments on Water Street. This project is an artist residency wherein the selected artist/artist team will be housed at the mural site in a furnished, two-bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment while the piece is created. The City of Henderson and the apartment’s owner/manager are seeking submissions that consider the past, present, and future of downtown Henderson to create a unique and iconic piece that welcomes everyone to the Water Street District. 

Historical references about Water Street: Our History | Henderson, NV 

Water Street District Info:  www.waterstreetdistrict.com 

Site: Oceanside Apartments

The location, encompassing this 1,024 square foot (approx. 32 ft. x 32 ft.) smooth stucco wall, is the important gateway entry into the south side of Henderson’s downtown corridor. This artwork’s purpose is to welcome both residents and visitors to the Water Street District, a neighborhood that has been in the process of redevelopment and reinvestment over the last 30 years. The City of Henderson’s Redevelopment Agency has been leading a vision to create an authentic downtown core in collaboration with business and property owners, residents, and the City. It provides community gathering space, as well as a collection of retail, professional services, family and nightlife entertainment, employment centers, educational opportunities and a place to call home. 

The Oceanside Apartments are situated at West Ocean Avenue and Tin Street and encompass nineteen (19) units that are home to a diverse set of residents. Recent renovations have been done to improve the site, and this mural project will augment these improvements. Ongoing renovations are planned for the next 10 years with an active and engaged owner and manager.  

At the mural site, a walkway and seating will be installed upon the artwork’s completion. Artists are encouraged to consider creating a design that promotes public interaction (viewers becoming ‘part’ of the artwork, selfies and photos.) There may be an opportunity to include a physical lighting element in the mural to become part of the art (i.e., streetlights, headlights, sun, signage, etc.) and artists can include this element in their proposal.  

Budget: $30,000.00

A $30,000 honorarium will be provided to the artist-in-residence for the completion of the mural project over the 1-month time-span.  

• Housing (in one 2-bedroom unit) will be provided for up to 4 artists working on the project.
• Artist(s) will provide their own paint, supplies, tools, and equipment. This includes renting and/or providing and operating a lift/scaffold to complete the project. Artists are required to add a pre-approved anti-graffiti/UV coating to the final artwork.

Selection Process: 

The artist(s) will be determined by a selection committee made up of members of the Henderson Arts Advisory Commission and representatives from City of Henderson departments including but not limited to Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Community Development and Services, and the Redevelopment Agency along with the Oceanside Apartment building owner and owner representative. 

Expected Timeline (subject to change): 

• Call opens: July 28, 2025
• Call closes: September 4, 2025
• Finalists selected: September 29, 2025
• Mural project begins: November 3, 2025
• Mural completion: Within 4 weeks of the start date

 Additional time can be granted if coordinated in advance of project commencement. 

Application Requirements

Applications must include the following materials: 

1. Visual Mock-Up of Proposed Mural: This can be a hand-rendered image like a drawing or painting, a digitally rendered image, or any combination of these techniques.
   1. We will accept PDF, JPEG, or PNG files.
   2. Artists are limited to 2 pages to describe their proposed mural.
   3. Artists will be required to disclose if AI was used to develop their mock-up.
2. Written Creative Approach: Provide a written statement about your proposed mural.
   1. How does your proposal address the theme and the site of the mural?
   2. 250-word limit.
3. Written Physical Approach: Provide your approach to physically complete the artwork, taking into consideration the scale, wall surface, and location of mural.
   1. Include your preferred paint, and anti-graffiti sealant.
   2. Provide specific details about any special equipment or materials you will be using.
   3. 250-word limit.
4. Previous Mural Experience: Provide up to 3 examples of previous mural works along with title, year, size, location, and any important details.
   1. We will accept PDF, JPEG, or PNG files.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to all professional artists and artist teams with prior outdoor mural experience. This call is open to artists above the age of 18 regardless of race, color, creed, gender, gender variance, national origin, or religion.

Selection Criteria: 

• Experience with murals in the public realm. The selection committee will prioritize artists or artist teams with experience completing artwork for municipalities and as part of streetscape, street infrastructure, nature parks and preserves, or large-scale public art.
• Successfully demonstrate previous application or interpretation of theme-based public art installation. Due to the parameters of the project, previous successful theme-based work or interpretations is desired.