Elevating History: A Mural Series From The Living Oral History Project

The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority (DDA), through its Elevate public art program, is partnering with the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) and the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM) to commission three murals along Ann Street. These murals will honor the area's history as a vibrant center for Ann Arbor's Black community, businesses, families, and civic leaders. Artists will draw inspiration from the Living Oral History Project and digital archives, translating this significant history into compelling murals reflecting one of three site-specific themes: Black-owned businesses and commercial street scenes; Residential and community life, incorporating a map; or Civic leadership and the Fair Housing Ordinance.

Project 1 (Budget: $45,000): Black-owned businesses theme on the east-facing facade of the Ann & Ashley Parking Structure (220 N Ashley St). The artwork will be directly painted on three or four horizontal levels, with the selection committee requesting that artists consider painting at least half of the facade. Project 2 (Budget: $45,000): Residential and community life theme on the west-facing facade of the Ann Arbor Fire Department (111 N 5th Ave). The artist must paint on an approved substrate such as Aluminium Composite Material and install it on the facade. A minimum of approximately 400 square feet is requested. Stamped engineer drawings from a Michigan licensed engineer are required for safe installation. Project 3 (Budget: $50,000): Civic leadership theme on the west-facing facade of Ann Arbor City Hall (301 E. Huron St). Similar substrate and installation requirements apply, with a minimum of approximately 500 square feet required. The artwork should sit above the treeline to be visible all seasons.

Designs may include limited letters, numbers, or words but should not be the sole focus. Designs may not include logos, trademarked materials, commercial imagery, advertising, religious or political content, or sacred imagery. All artwork must be original; AI-generated images and designs are not permitted. The budget for each project is inclusive of all costs: design fees, materials, permits, insurance, fabrication, transportation, installation, and documentation. Selected artists will be required to carry general liability insurance and submit a Certificate of Insurance listing the City of Ann Arbor, the Downtown Development Authority, and the Ann Arbor Art Center as additionally insured. All artwork must be fabricated from durable, low-maintenance materials appropriate for public display. Work samples should include 5-10 images and up to 3 videos. Entry deadline: November 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MST.