Call for Mural Artist: African American Music in Wilson County, NC

Wilson Arts and The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House and African American Museum invite muralists located in North Carolina to create a location-specific mural celebrating Wilson as a destination on the African American Music Trail of Eastern North Carolina. Murals are powerful tools to educate and inform community members about a wide variety of topics including honoring local history. African American Music Trails is an exploration of the long and rich heritage of African American music in Eastern North Carolina, including funk, blues, jazz, and gospel in Kinston, Tarboro, Wilson, and surrounding areas. 2023 has been declared Year of the Trail by the North Carolina State Legislature.

One artist will be chosen and will receive a $6,000 honorarium. The artist is responsible for purchasing their own supplies and renting necessary equipment. Wilson Arts can offer some supplies and support if it does not further impact the budget. Mural designs must be in compliance with the City of Wilson's Sign Ordinance, Section 11.6.10 on Original Art Murals. Artists are responsible for the entire mural execution, including hiring and paying assistants if the artist chooses.

Applicants must submit: a small portfolio (2-5 images) of past mural works or non-mural works most similar to the project; a narrative on approach to the mural, including any other commission work to illustrate adherence to deadlines; an artist statement including biography, website, and/or social media; and a preliminary budget working within the $6,000 budget, including equipment rentals, materials, artist, and assistant fees. Eligibility is open to visual artists 18 years or older located in North Carolina. Applicants must submit 5-10 total work samples.