Call for Artists

Downtown Bend Mural Project

THE PROJECT

Location: 514 NW Franklin Ave on the side of Lift Fitness Studio

We are seeking a mural artist (or artist team) to create a vibrant, community-centered mural in Downtown Bend, Oregon. This project will be submitted for funding through the Visit Bend, Bend Cultural Tourism Fund, and final selection is contingent upon grant approval. Deadline to Apply: March 20, 2026

This mural should celebrate the spirit of Bend and reflect themes of music, community, outdoor culture, and health & wellness, while being visually compelling and highly engaging for both locals and visitors.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

  • We are especially interested in work that is:

    • Music-inspired

    • Community-centered

    • Outdoor-focused

    • Health & wellness oriented

    • Instagrammable / visually iconic

    • Reflective of Downtown Bend’s history, culture, and scenery

    • Cute, fun, and approachable in tone.

  • We are not looking for:

    • Overly abstract concepts

    • Harsh or industrial styles

    • Tubes / pipes / mechanical aesthetics

    We are looking for:

    • Clear, legible visual storytelling

    • Work that feels warm, human, and accessible

    • Designs that invite people to stop, look, take photos, and connect

  • Selected artist(s) will be asked to collaborate on:

    • Final mural design

    • Community-informed creative process

    • Installation timeline (pending grant approval)

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS, TIMELINE, FUNDING

  • Please submit the following:

    1. Artist bio (or team bio)

    2. Portfolio / website

    3. 3–5 relevant work samples

    4. Brief concept statement (1–2 paragraphs) describing your vision for a Downtown Bend mural

    5. Instagram handle (if applicable)

    Deadline to Apply: March 20, 2026

    (in advance of the Bend Cultural Tourism Fund grant deadline on March 27, 2026)

    SUBMIT NOW

    • Call for Artists Opens: Now

    • Artist Submissions Due: March 20, 2026

    • Grant Application Submitted: March 27, 2026

    • Artist Notified: Early April (pending grant results)

    • Projected Mural Completion: Summer 2026

  • This project will be submitted to the Bend Cultural Tourism Fund, a Visit Bend grant program that supports creative projects enhancing Bend’s cultural vibrancy and visitor experience.

    Final mural execution is contingent upon funding approval.

Submit Now

Deadline to Apply: March 20, 2026