City of Sarasota Public Art Program - 10th and Osprey Mural Project - Call for Artists

The City of Sarasota Public Art Program invites experienced muralists to apply for a public art commission as part of the Florida Legacy Arts Mural Series. This project will result in a large-scale mural on a multi-family residential building at the corner of 10th Street and Osprey Avenue, a prominent intersection adjacent to Gillespie Park and near Sarasota's downtown core. The mural must reflect the theme of Florida Flora and Fauna, with a focus on local and native bird species found throughout Sarasota. Artists are encouraged to propose original, nature-based designs that may include species such as the Osprey or Monk/Canaday Parakeet, alongside native plant life.

The wall is approximately 1,200 square feet and features a distinctive window layout, inviting dynamic, site-specific designs that respond to the building's architecture. The location is adjacent to Gillespie Park, an approximately 10-acre community green space that includes walking trails, a butterfly garden, duck pond, tennis courts, playground, and dog park. Facing 10th Street, the mural site will be highly visible to pedestrians, park visitors, and daily traffic. This opportunity is open to local, regional, and national artists. Preference will be given to those listed on the City of Sarasota's 2024–2026 Public Art Roster, although listing is not required to apply.

The commission budget is up to $45,000, inclusive of all costs (artist fees, materials, rentals, insurance, travel, and coatings). A panel will review applications and recommend up to ten semi-finalists. From those semi-finalists, the Public Art Committee will select 3–5 finalists, each receiving a $500 stipend to develop a full-color concept and materials plan. The final design will be selected by the Public Art Committee with input from the surrounding neighborhood during a public meeting. The selected artist will have up to 45 days to complete the mural and is responsible for priming the wall and applying UV-protective and anti-graffiti coatings to ensure the work's long-term durability.

Applications must include a cover letter, resume/CV highlighting public art experience, a portfolio of at least two completed large-scale murals or similar public art projects, a one-page project narrative explaining how your concept interprets the Florida Flora and Fauna theme and responds to the site context, and optionally a preliminary sketch or visual concept. AI-assisted designs must be clearly labeled as such. Artists working collaboratively must identify a lead contact person and ensure all members are represented in the application materials.