Amaryllis Park Place "Where Home Takes Root" Mural - Call for Artists

The City of Sarasota Public Art Program, in partnership with the Sarasota Housing Authority, seeks to commission a professional artist or artist team to design and install an exterior mural at Amaryllis Park Place (2012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234), an affordable senior housing development. The mural will be installed on an exterior wall measuring approximately 660 square feet.

The mural theme, "Where Home Takes Root," centers on place, legacy, and community. Artists are encouraged to reflect on the layered history of Newtown, its cultural significance, and its continued evolution as a vibrant community. Interpretations may be abstract, symbolic, or narrative in nature, but should be grounded in respect for the neighborhood and an understanding of the site context. Living figures may not be represented in the final mural concept design.

This opportunity is structured as a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Artists will submit examples of past work demonstrating artistic merit, technical ability, and experience with large-scale or comparable projects. Initial applications will be reviewed by a stakeholder panel including representatives of the Sarasota Housing Authority, community and neighborhood stakeholders, arts and cultural leaders, a member of the City of Sarasota Public Art Committee, and City of Sarasota Public Art Program staff. The total artist budget is up to $25,000, inclusive of all artist-related costs including design, materials, fabrication, surface preparation, installation, protective coatings, insurance, travel, and other project-related expenses. Finalists will receive a $500 stipend to develop full-color concept proposals and will meet with stakeholders to receive input related to the site, building context, and community considerations. Final designs will be presented for community feedback prior to final artist selection and approval at a public meeting.

Eligibility: Artists residing within 100 miles of the City of Sarasota, formerly local Sarasota artists who no longer reside in the area but demonstrate a strong and meaningful connection to Sarasota, individual artists or artist teams, and professional artists with demonstrated experience completing comparable projects. Required application materials: artist statement, personal narrative describing interest in the project, resume or CV (maximum 3 pages), and 5–20 images of completed artworks including at least one example of large-scale or comparable work if available. One optional initial concept idea or reference image may be submitted but will not be evaluated as a final design. Entry deadline: February 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.