Raíces | Roots: Soy de aquí | I am from here

Punto Urban Art Museum (PUAM) is commissioning twenty (20) 8' x 8' murals for 2025. Fourteen (14) murals will be created by selected New England-based artists, and up to six (6) murals will be created by Salem-based artists participating in the Creative Neighbor Program, supported through installation by two artist mentors. Artists are also encouraged to apply as mentors for Creative Neighbor Program participants.

The theme is "Raíces | Roots," which celebrates the deep and diverse connections people make to place, community, and culture, specifically to the Point Neighborhood and the City of Salem. Artists are invited to explore the literal and metaphorical meanings of Salem's roots: the roots we're born into (families, cultural traditions, and histories that shape neighborhoods); the roots we choose (journeys from around the world, resilience of immigrant communities, and new beginnings); and the roots we cultivate (ways we invest in our city, build community across differences, and plant seeds for a more inclusive future). While Salem's witch history is recognized as important to the city's identity, this project invites artists to look beyond that singular narrative and explore the roots of Salem's many communities, especially those historically overlooked.

Submission requirements include a written artist statement, up to 4 relevant work samples (1-3 images, 0-3 audio files, 0-3 video files), and a sketch of the proposed mural. Artists must be based in New England (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, or RI). PUAM seeks artists whose work demonstrates a compelling connection to the theme and experience or interest in public art and mural making. Submissions that resonate with residents of the Point neighborhood, reflect cultural and historic relevance of Salem's history, and come from artists with rooted connections to Salem will be prioritized. Submissions that are obscene, inflammatory, political, or inappropriate, or that fall outside size, length, and topic constraints will not be selected. Selected artists receive $1,000.00. Jury dates: 8/18/25 - 8/22/25.