External Call
Free Entry
Call for Public Art: Morton Theatre Mural
Key Details
Organization
Athens Downtown Development Authority
Location
Athens, GA
Submission Deadline
February 27, 2026
12:00 AM PST
Call Type
Gallery Exhibit
About This Call
Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA), the Morton Theatre Corporation (MTC), and The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County invite professional artists to submit qualifications for consideration for a mural in the Morton Theatre lobby. The selected artist(s) will work with stakeholders and government staff to create a mural that enhances the user experience and celebrates the contributions of the Morton Theatre in Athens and the Northeast Georgia region.
The Morton Theatre is located in downtown Athens, Georgia on West Washington and Hull Streets. Built in 1910 by Monroe Bowers ("Pink") Morton, it is one of the first and oldest surviving vaudeville theatres in the United States, uniquely built, owned, and operated by an African-American. The theatre hosted early acts including Blind Willie McTell, Cab Calloway, and Bessie Smith. When built, it was the only space in the city where white and Black audiences could attend shows together. The theatre closed in 1954 following a fire in the projection booth. In 1980, the building was purchased by the nonprofit Morton Theatre Corporation. Following a 1987 SPLOST referendum, the theatre was restored and reopened in 1991 under the management of Athens-Clarke Unified Government. The Morton is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and operates today as a 480-seat rental facility.
The mural site is located in the lower lobby of the Theatre, which includes a box office, front welcome desk, seating, and is an area of gathering for all visitors. The project is open to professional artists (or teams) 18 years and older who are legal residents of the United States. Preference is given to artists with experience working with public art projects and community government. Artists must not be currently employed by Athens-Clarke County Unified Government. The budget for this project is $20,000 all-inclusive, covering design, materials, insurance, equipment rental, travel, installation, and artist's fees. No application fee is required.
The Morton Theatre is located in downtown Athens, Georgia on West Washington and Hull Streets. Built in 1910 by Monroe Bowers ("Pink") Morton, it is one of the first and oldest surviving vaudeville theatres in the United States, uniquely built, owned, and operated by an African-American. The theatre hosted early acts including Blind Willie McTell, Cab Calloway, and Bessie Smith. When built, it was the only space in the city where white and Black audiences could attend shows together. The theatre closed in 1954 following a fire in the projection booth. In 1980, the building was purchased by the nonprofit Morton Theatre Corporation. Following a 1987 SPLOST referendum, the theatre was restored and reopened in 1991 under the management of Athens-Clarke Unified Government. The Morton is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and operates today as a 480-seat rental facility.
The mural site is located in the lower lobby of the Theatre, which includes a box office, front welcome desk, seating, and is an area of gathering for all visitors. The project is open to professional artists (or teams) 18 years and older who are legal residents of the United States. Preference is given to artists with experience working with public art projects and community government. Artists must not be currently employed by Athens-Clarke County Unified Government. The budget for this project is $20,000 all-inclusive, covering design, materials, insurance, equipment rental, travel, installation, and artist's fees. No application fee is required.
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