Art in the Alley

Saline Main Street invites proposals from experienced muralists for a vibrant, street-level mural in downtown Saline's historic Leather Bucket Alley. This highly visible corridor will be transformed through a community-created ground mural measuring 14 feet wide by 78 feet long. The goal of this project is to beautify the alley, celebrate its historical identity, and create a more engaging pedestrian space for locals and visitors alike.

The selected artist will collaborate with Saline Main Street staff to design and execute a mural that reflects the community and history of the space, while leading a community participation process in the actual painting. The mural must be completed using durable, weather-resistant materials suited for pedestrian traffic and outdoor exposure. Installation must be completed in mid-to-late August 2025, with exact dates to be finalized with the selected artist.

Required application materials include: resume or CV demonstrating professional mural experience; 3–4 high-quality images of large-scale murals completed in the last 5 years; mural design concept and short narrative explaining inspiration and local relevance; community engagement plan describing how you will facilitate public participation; marketing plan to generate excitement and visibility; list of recommended materials appropriate for walkable outdoor surfaces; and total project quote not to exceed $15,000, including site preparation, materials and supplies, supervision of community volunteers, final touches and sealing, marketing and promotion costs, and any necessary travel/lodging costs.

Eligibility requirements: must be a professional muralist with experience creating large-scale outdoor murals; must have demonstrated ability to lead or facilitate community-participation art projects; must carry appropriate liability insurance; must be willing and able to lead public painting events involving community volunteers. Preference will be given to artists from Michigan and nearby regions, including northern Ohio and the Toledo area. This project is funded by a Vibrancy Grant.