2222 Main Street Mural Project

Request for qualifications from professional artists and artist teams to design and paint a site-specific mural in Columbia's Cottontown neighborhood. Approximately 985 square feet across eight exterior panels will be divided among up to three selected artists. The artwork should reflect Cottontown's character through nature, gardens, local history, community, and place. Each selected artist receives a $6,700 project budget inclusive of project costs. Up to nine finalists will develop concepts and receive a $250 proposal stipend. A portion of the painting must take place during the Cottontown Art Crawl on March 6, 2027, with completion scheduled for March 12, 2027.

Cottontown's character and history; nature, gardens, local history, community, and place.

Eligible applicants are professional visual artists or artist teams living in the United States, with experience creating murals or large-scale public artwork and the ability to complete a project of this scale. Applicants must not currently be enrolled as students in a degree program and must be available to work during the Cottontown Art Crawl on March 6, 2027. Submit a statement of interest describing interest in Cottontown and the project, mural or large-scale public-art experience, alignment with project goals, and experience in public or community settings; also submit up to 6 images of previous work. Work demonstrating murals, large-scale painting, public art, outdoor artwork, or community/neighborhood-based projects is encouraged. Initial applications do not require concept proposals. Up to nine artists will be shortlisted to develop concepts, each receiving a $250 proposal stipend, with the intent of selecting up to three artists. Finalists will collaborate with the commissioning organizations on a concept for their assigned section. Optional community participation activities should be proposed only in the final concept presentation. Finalist notification is scheduled for November 2, 2026; conceptual design presentations are December 1–4, 2026. Each selected artist receives $6,700 inclusive of design, artist labor, paint and materials, surface preparation, equipment and supplies, transportation, insurance, and installation/painting for the assigned section. The approximately 985-square-foot exterior mural spans eight panels divided into three sections, separated by architectural features. Artwork must be welcoming, visible from Sumter Street, appropriate to the residential neighborhood, and complementary to the Craftsman-inspired architecture. Political, polarizing, or unsettling imagery should be avoided. Referencing the property's history as the former Jim Moore Cadillac dealership is optional. Selected artists must use durable, high-quality exterior materials; supply necessary artistic materials and supplies unless otherwise specified; coordinate logistics with Commonwealth Properties and One Columbia; maintain a safe, professional work area; coordinate public access during the Art Crawl; paint a portion during the March 6 Art Crawl; and complete the mural by March 12, 2027. Entry is free.