Anacortes Creative District
Outdoor “Postcard” Mural Project
Request for Proposals
The Anacortes Arts Festival, on behalf of the Anacortes Creative District, is issuing a call for proposals from artists for a mural commission on a large outdoor wall in historic downtown Anacortes.
— Project Description —
As part of the recent designation of downtown Anacortes as a Creative District by the Washington State Arts Commission, The Anacortes Creative District is overseeing the addition of an outdoor “postcard” mural at 8th & Commercial in downtown Anacortes. The mural design is to be selected, and contract signed by the end of 2024. Mural work will be completed in Spring / Early Summer 2025.
The downtown mural is to be placed on a south facing wall, with approximately 20’ x 30’ of space to work with. It is highly visible to downtown Commercial traffic and calls for a horizontal design. The selected proposal must:
• Be a “postcard” style design using the word “Anacortes”
• Be a colorful graphic design, highly visible to vehicle and pedestrian traffic
• The design should be creative and also relative to “Anacortes”
• Show artistic quality, compatibility with the location
• Be produced from durable materials able to withstand an outdoor location
Photos of the site and a PDF of this call is available through the ACD website http://www.anacortescreativedistrict.com.
— Budget —
$5,000, includes artist’s time, materials, mural installation, and any necessary equipment needed for installation.
— SelectionProcess —
Based on proposals received, a Selection Jury will recommend a preferred design or designs. The jury will include, but will not be limited to, a Board Member from the Anacortes Arts Festival, the Festival Executive Director, one professional artist and one downtown business owner. The Selection Jury has the option to choose none of the submitted designs,
— Timeline | 2024-2025 —
December 3 | Submission of proposals due by 5pm
December 6 | Selection Jury makes its recommendation(s)
December 12 |Artist is notified, and contract presented
Spring / Early Summer2025 | Mural is completed and Installed (weather dependent)
— Submission Requirements –
• Letter of interest
• Current Resume
• Images of previous work. Images should be either digital (JPEG, 300 dpi) or hard copy photos, with detail listing of location, date and description, if appropriate.
• Design proposal, including drawings, materials to be used and any other information relevant to the project. The proposal may be hand drawn or digitally produced.
• 1-3 references
• Self-addressed stamped envelope if you want material returned.
Every effort will be made to ensure the safe handling of submitted materials. However, the Anacortes Creative District will not be responsible for any loss or damage.
Please send electronic submissions to fineart@anacortesartsfestival.com Or hard copy submissions to:
Anacortes Creative District | 505 O Avenue | Anacortes, WA 98221
Attn: Downtown Mural Project 2025
For questions about submissions or to schedule a site visit, please contact Rita James at fineart@anacortesartsfestival.com or 360-293-6211.
— Eligibility –
The project is open to Northwest artists aged 18 and over, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, or physical or mental disability. Artist teams are eligible to apply. Anacortes Arts Festival board members, employees, as well as selection jury panelists and their immediate families are not eligible for participation.
