THE FREDERICKSBURG ARTS COMMISSION OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS
Dorothy Hart Community Center Painted Mural Project
Project Overview
This is an open call for artists to submit concepts to be considered for a painted mural that will cover the outside wall of the Dorothy Hart Community Center along the side entrance of the building (See diagram below for measurements). This call is open to all local and regional artists. The selected artist will be awarded $4000 for labor and supplies (not including panels which are provided.)
Location
Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal St, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
History and Context
The Dorothy Hart Community Center has been the hub of activity in Fredericksburg since the mid-20th Century. The 1942 building, originating as the USO, later became the social center that we now know. Unwavering, the site has welcomed service people returning home from war, has played a role in the City’s civil rights movement, and has hosted society’s elite. Through it all, it still remains. The Community Center, now home to the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Events Department, continues to be used for a multitude of activities including dance classes, art shows, voting, and camps for the youth. The Center is a gathering space, providing a stable structure that serves the community and its ever changing needs. The building is in a residential area in the Canal Quarter Neighborhood, which is vital to its character.
Proposal Requirements
Each artist in the initial round will submit a proposal for the above mural by January 12, 2026. Each proposal should include the following information:
- Name and Contact information of the artist, including email, telephone number and any social media handles and website
- Artist Bio (limit 200 words)
- Resume/CV
- Portfolio photos (with brief description to include media and dimensions) at least three and no more than five – applicable projects.
- A written proposal of your mural concept not to exceed 400 words.
- A sketched proposal of the mural using the attached technical specs and site drawing.
- A technical synopsis of which paints, brushes, equipment, and other needs will be required.
- A list of the team members that may be assisting you at the installation
Selection Process
All submissions will be juried by a panel of five (5) people that may consist of the following: local artists, mural subcommittee members, city staff, or community members. The panel will be selected by the Fredericksburg Arts Commission.
The Panel will narrow down all selections to three (3) finalists who will be paid a stipend of $200 each to present a more detailed final proposal of their design at 10:30 a.m. on February 25th, 2026 at the Murals Sub Committee Meeting. The presentation of the design will take place in front of the panel and will be open to the public. The artist may participate in person or remotely, but must be available for questions during the scheduled presentation.
Prior to the presentation, no later than February 20th, the finalists will be asked to submit:
- Accurate scaled drawing of the mural in its environmental setting, indicating specific paint colors and materials. Samples of all materials are welcome, but may only be required in select cases
- Detailed timeline of mural execution and installation
- Final list of material costs
- Three references and contact information
- Finalized list of assistants (if applicable)
Copy of Certificate of General Liability Insurance naming the City as additional insured in the amount of $1,000,000
Following the Finalists’ presentations, the winning proposal will be contacted, and the artist will be expected to enter into a contract with the City of Fredericksburg.
Selection Criteria
- The Committee seeks a painted mural work that reflects the vitality of our diverse community, invoking a positive response. Criteria to be considered as part of the selection process will include, but is not limited to:The ability of the artist to effectively execute the proposed design with regard to the technical requirements of the site to a high standard. Technical requirements are indicated in the attached document.
- That the mural is the artist’s original design and does not include any copywritten or otherwise nonpermitted third party materials
- This mural must not have already been painted or installed at any sites prior to this unless explicitly stated and agreed to
- That the mural has significant visual impact on pedestrian traffic as well as driving traffic, but does not cause any visual hazards to either (i.e. dangerous reflections, or flashing lights etc.)
- That the mural expresses creativity and uniqueness of content and technique
- That the mural appropriately highlights the character the community and appeals to general audiences
- The artist’s experience working on mural projects and ability to complete work within a specified timeline
Artist Eligibility
To qualify, artists must meet the following requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must present only unique and original artwork
Artist Responsibilities
- Artist/Team will paint on site and allow photography and video to document the process.
- Artists will be responsible for all food and travel costs
- Hours of operation will be consistent with the prescribed hours from the Parks Dept TBD
Calendar of Dates
Initial jurying
| Proposals due: | January 12, 2026 |
| Jurying Begins: | January 19, 2026 |
| Jurying ends: | January 28, 2026 |
| Notification to Finalists: | February 2, 2026 |
Final round
| Electronic Materials Due: | February 20, 2026 |
| In-person or video presentation: | February 25, 2026 at 10:30 am |
| Notification of Proposal Acceptance sent to Selected Muralist: | March 2, 2026 |
| Approval of City Council: | March 10, 2026 |
Project deadlines
| Projected start date: : | May 1, 2026 |
| Projected end date: | July 1, 2026 |
Usage
Artists who are finalists grant The City of Fredericksburg and the Arts Commission and all of its subcommittees unlimited non-exclusive right to use images of proposed and accepted work to promote the installation of the mural.
Resources
- Checklist for submission: download here
- Diagram of mural, with dimensions: download here
How to submit
Once all materials are complete (see Resources > checklist above), email completed proposal package to publicart@fredarts.com with the subject line “Dorothy Hart Mural”. Proposals must be submitted no later than January 12, 2026.
Questions?
For questions or comments, email publicart@fredarts.com