Call Description

About the Opportunity: 

The City of Henderson is calling on local artists from the Las Vegas Valley to submit proposals to paint the Army Street benches in the Water Street downtown corridor. We are seeking 12 artists/artist teams to create artworks that address the theme, “The Flow of Time on Water Street," depicting how downtown Henderson has changed since its incorporation in 1953.These functional bench murals will be part of the City of Henderson’s Art Festival in May 2026 with nine of the murals to be completed prior to the festival, and three of the murals to be completed during the festival on May 9 and 10. 

• Historical references about Henderson: Our History | Henderson, NV 
• Water Street District Info:  www.waterstreetdistrict.com 

Site: Army Street Benches between Water Street and Texas Avenue

Army Street is an active pedestrian corridor that is home to City Lights Art Gallery and popular local establishments like Purple Penguin and #1 Boba Tea Social. Farmer’s Markets are hosted on site, as well as various activations during City of Henderson events like Art Festival, Hot Rod Festival, and St. Patrick’s Day.

There are 12 benches. Eight of the benches measure 1.5 feet high, 12 feet wide, and 1.5 feet deep. The minimum area that needs to be painted on each of these eight benches is 40.5 square feet. The remaining four benches measure 1.5 feet high, 18 feet wide, and 1.5 feet deep. The minimum area that needs to be painted on each of these four benches is 58.5 square feet.

Photos and dimensions are included for reference. Benches are mostly smooth concrete, however, there are sections on the top and side that are recessed inwards in a triangular shape. Artists will need to take this into account when creating their design. We strongly encourage artists to view the benches before applying.

Budget: $1,250.00 - $1,750.00 per bench

Eight artists will be compensated $1,250.00 for the 40.5 square foot benches. Four artists will be compensated $1,750.00 for the 58.5 square foot benches.

This budget is inclusive of mural design, renderings, supplies including paint, primer, installation, equipment, time, travel, lodging, and insurance. The City of Henderson will be coating all pieces with an anti-graffiti sealant once they are completed.

Selection Process: 

Local artists based in the Las Vegas Valley are eligible to apply. This opportunity is open to artists with limited public art experience.

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.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate submissions:

• Artistic excellence
• Overall quality of the proposal
• Feasibility of the proposed project

Estimated Schedule (subject to change): 

• Call opens: February 10, 2026
• Call closes: March 2, 2026
• Finalists selected: March 26, 2026
• Project Dates: Selected artists will need to complete their mural between May 1 and May 10, 2026. Certain benches will need to be painted on May 9 and 10 during Art Festival hours. More details will be provided once benches are assigned to selected artists.

Application Requirements

Applications must include the following materials:

1. Visual Mock-Up of Proposed Mural: Create a visual mock-up that shows reviewers what you would like to create for the bench 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. 2,000-character 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 primer.
   2. Provide specific details about any special equipment or materials you will be using.
   3. 2,000-character limit.
4. Artist CV or Resume: Provide a list of relevant artistic experience from education, training, individual and group exhibitions, commissions, and other important experience. 
   1. 4,000-character limit.
5. Previous Mural Experience: Provide up to 3 examples of previous mural works along with title, year, size, location, and any important details. If your mural experience is limited, please provide examples of artworks that demonstrate your experience painting large pieces and/or surfaces. 
   1. We will accept PDF, JPEG, or PNG files.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

Eligibility Criteria

This call is open to artists above the age of 18 regardless of race, color, creed, gender, gender variance, national origin, or religion. Local artists based in the Las Vegas Valley are eligible to apply. This opportunity is open to all artists from experienced public artists to those with limited public art experience.