Call For Artists

GREETINGS FROM PITTSFIELD

Large-scale mural in Pittsfield, MA, in the Summer of 2026

The City of Pittsfield’s Office of Cultural Development is seeking an experienced muralist to create an approximately 43’ wide x 20’ high “Greetings from Pittsfield” Mural with an option for an additional space to cover the entire building (see photo below) in downtown Pittsfield at 122 North Street on the north side of Barrington Stage’s Wolfson Center Building.

This project aims to uplift the community through an expertly crafted artistic vision by partnering with an established “postcard style” muralist. The design should use the classic large-letter postcard style to depict the pride of our local community and spark visitors’ interest. The goal of this mural is to contribute positivity to Pittsfield’s visual landscape and heighten our City’s profile with a social media-worthy design.

Once selected by the Mural Selection Committee, the artist must submit a to-scale, color concept sketch by an agreed-upon date. The Office of Cultural Development will be available for consultation during the sketch and ideation phase. Some sketch revisions based on feedback should be expected. Designs must be family-friendly.

The mural is to be completed by September 30, 2026.

The artist stipend for this mural is $12,000. Artist must supply their own paint, sealant, and materials and organize their own lodging and travel accommodations.

This mural will be painted on brick.

This mural project is made possible with generous support from New England Foundation for the Arts’ Making It Public (MIP) for Massachusetts Municipalities Grant.

Application Process

DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 2, 2026 at 11:59pm.

The City of Pittsfield’s Office of Cultural Development serves as the City’s first point of contact for artists, cultural organizations, event organizers, and creative businesses. The office supports, promotes, and initiates cultural activity in Pittsfield to benefit the citizens, the quality of life, and the local economy.

MURALIST RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Communicate consistently with the Cultural Development Office throughout the project.
  • Create a preliminary concept sketch for review by the Mural Selection Committee.
  • Respond, in a timely manner, to feedback from the Mural Committee with adjustments to the design as needed.
  • Purchase all paint, sealant and supplies needed to complete the project.
  • Paint and seal the mural by September 30, 2026.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Based on the submitted photos of past work and answers to the questions below, artists will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Quality of artistic composition and execution.
  • Creativity and ability to execute the mural direction of a Postcard Style – “Greetings from Pittsfield”.
  • Overall impression of the art.
  • Commitment to creating public art that reflects the city where the art is located.
  • Contribution to the diversity of public art in Pittsfield.

TIMELINE

  • June 18, 2026: Artist call opens.
  • July 2, 2026: Artist call closes.
  • July 10, 2026: Muralist Selected and Design Sketch Phase Begins.
  • August 5, 2026: Initial Design Submitted and Revision Phase Begins if needed.
  • August 17, 2026: Design finalized. Mural can begin any time after this date.
  • September 4, 2026: Possible Mural Unveiling or In Progress Painting During First Fridays Artswalk at First Fridays at Five Street Fair.

Apply Here

Answer the questions on the form below. You may submit the answers electronically or email them to [email protected], along with 3-5 work samples of representative work.

Work samples should reflect the compositional style you would use for this project. If you have painted large-scale work, please include photos of these works. Your application will not be considered without submitting photos of completed
work.

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Contact Information(Required)
Name(Required)
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Describe your work and artistic process (5000 characters max)*
Please briefly describe your previous experience creating public murals, including how many years you have been working as a muralist and how many murals you have created. (5000 characters max)
Date Required(Required)
Are you able to complete a mural before September 30, 2026?
Upload up to 3 images of your work (PDF or JPG) that reflect the compositional style you would use for this project.
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Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, jpeg, Max. file size: 256 MB, Max. files: 3.

    If there is not enough storage to upload your samples, you may still submit your form here and then email the samples to [email protected].