Call Description

Overview

The City of Alexandria Public Art Program is seeking artists to apply to join the City’s first Mural Artist Roster for upcoming public art opportunities in Alexandria beginning in Summer 2026. Open to local and regional muralists living in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, the roster will serve as the primary resource for selecting artists for City-commissioned interior and exterior wall murals, ground murals, street murals, and participatory mural projects. Professional and emerging muralists—especially those who collaborate with youth and communities in developing concepts and installing projects—are encouraged to apply. Applications will be evaluated by a public art task force, with selected muralists approved by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. Project budgets will vary depending on scope and scale, and inclusion on the roster does not guarantee selection for a project. The roster will also be publicly available to businesses, property owners, and community groups seeking to commission mural projects. Once approved, the mural roster will remain valid for a 3-year period.

Purpose

The Mural Artist Roster is being created to:

• Help strengthen the sense of community and enrich the quality of life of all Alexandrians by facilitating high quality and varied mural projects across the city.
• Support public art and placemaking initiatives across the City of Alexandria.
• Streamline the process and timelines for artist selections, which will benefit artists, agencies, and partners working on mural projects across the city.
• Foster opportunities for local creative talent.

Mural Project Types 

Muralists are being sought to complete projects in the following general areas: 

• Developing murals at a variety of project scales and methods that are reflective of a neighborhood’s identity and celebrates the culture, spirit and/or history of the area.
• Using asphalt art to elevate the importance of transportation safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
• Integrating ground murals on sport courts, paving, or hardscape during scheduled park renovations or maintenance projects.
• Improving the appearance outside or inside city facilities, including recreational centers.
• Working with community groups and/or youth to develop and/or implement mural concepts.
• Working with developers to integrate wall murals in new projects, including multistory development proposals.

Mural Project Scopes

The individual mural project scopes will vary based on the specific project being pursued. Selected artists will be provided specific scope and budget details as opportunities become available. Generally, the following will apply to most projects based on the City’s established public art process:

• Murals should be painted on or applied to the wall or ground surface by the selected artist, or artist team. Community involvement in installation may be appropriate in some instances, when this is consistent with an artist’s practice and aligns with the specific project goals.
• The design of the mural should be appropriate for and inspire all audiences.
• Artists will be required to apply an anti-graffiti coating to any painted exterior wall murals.
• Artists will be required to use durable materials and mediums that can withstand indoor or outdoor conditions, including weather, dust, and sunlight exposure; and provide information regarding the expected durability and maintenance requirements.
• Selected artists will be required to meet with the community prior to beginning mural installation, and the conversations may inform the final design.

Budget

Mural project budgets will vary based on project complexity, scope, and materials. Within the application form, artists will be asked if they have a minimum budget requirement. 

Selection and Review Process

A Public Art Task Force will review the submitted applications and recommend artists for inclusion on the Mural Artist Roster. The roster will be approved by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. Once approved, the roster will remain valid for three-years.

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: 

• responses to all required application questions
• a CV/resume
• 5-8 images of previous work with descriptions
• an artist statement is optional

Eligibility Criteria

• Must reside in Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania or West Virginia.
• Must produce or present unique and original artwork.
• Must be the lead artist whose original work is included in the application.
• Must be 18 years of age or older and able to enter a contract with the City of Alexandria. Artists younger than 18 may be included in an artist team application.