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Lowell Arts, in partnership with the City of Lowell's Downtown Development Authority (DDA), is pleased to announce Muralocity, a landmark public art initiative that will bring five community-driven outdoor murals to downtown Lowell. We are now seeking qualified mural artists–both established professionals and emerging artists–through an open Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
"Muralocity is an ambitious first step–and we hope just the beginning of a long-term public art presence in Lowell. We're grateful to the City and the DDA for believing that art belongs in every corner of our community, not just inside gallery walls." –Janet Teunis, Executive Director, Lowell Arts
Five Mural Sites, Five Stories
Five mural sites have been identified through public surveys and community engagement conducted throughout 2025, selected for their visibility, accessibility, distribution throughout downtown, and compatibility with the historic district. Each site carries a pre-determined theme:
- An immersive wildlife experience featuring native plants, fauna, and sky scenes as an extension of a local playground
- A panoramic celebration of the river, Lowell's iconic riverboat, and native species
- An exploration of electricity and the beauty of light and energy
- Imagery weaving together the 1977 Artrain visit that sparked the founding of Lowell Arts
- A celebration of the city's industrial heritage at the convergence of the Grand and Flat Rivers
Selected artists will have access to community input gathered during the DDA-funded discovery phase, providing insight into how residents envision public art reflecting Lowell's values and stories. Each artist will also incorporate a community engagement element into their proposal, such as public participation or collaborative design components, ensuring residents remain part of the creative process.
"What we heard clearly from the community was a desire for variety–in style, in subject, in feeling. Some of these murals may be abstract, others true to life, but all of them will reflect something real about Lowell: its history, its landscape, and the pride its people have in this community." –Janet Teunis, Executive Director, Lowell Arts
A Two-Phase Selection Process
Artists interested in participating will first submit their qualifications and experience for review by a Selection Committee. Fifteen finalists will be selected to advance to the Request for Proposals (RFP) phase, where they will develop detailed, site-specific proposals. From those finalists, five artists or artist-led teams will be selected - one per mural site - to design and install their work in downtown Lowell.
Finalists will receive a $400 stipend to support design development, research, and final presentation. Commission Budget: $5,000 - $10,000 per mural (based on location and size).
This opportunity is open to professional and emerging artists and artist-led teams. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older. There is no application fee.
Project Timeline
- RFQ Deadline: March 20, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET
- Finalist Notifications: March 27, 2026
- RFP Period: March 28 – April 17, 2026
- Artist Selections Announced: May 1, 2026
- Mural Installation: August 1–28, 2026
- Dedication Event: October 10, 2026
Submission Details
All required materials must be submitted through callforentry.org by March 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. No other submission method will be accepted. Link to submission site: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=16849
Visit the Lowell Arts website for additional details. https://www.lowellarts.org/public-art
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