Torpedo Factory Art Center Loading Door Mural

The Alexandria Public Art Program is inviting artists and muralists to submit qualifications to design and execute a mural on the exterior loading dock door of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. This call is open to local and regional professional artists living and working in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C. The program aims to inspire and engage the community and visitors to Old Town Alexandria, spark curiosity about the artists' studios and galleries inside the Art Center, improve the pedestrian experience with light and color, and bring a vibrant contemporary presence to the Union Street frontage of the building.

The Torpedo Factory Art Center, founded in 1974 in a former munitions plant, houses the nation's largest collection of working-artists' open studios under one roof, with 71 artist studios working in painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, stained glass, fiber, printmaking, and sculpture. The mural will be painted on the roll-up style loading door only. The design should be appropriate for and inspire all audiences. The selected artist will be required to apply an anti-graffiti coating and meet with the community prior to installation.

Up to four finalists will receive a $500 stipend to prepare a conceptual design. The selected artist will receive $10,000 for final design, materials, and installation. Artists must be 18 years or older. Emerging artists and those without prior public art experience are encouraged to apply if they have a portfolio demonstrating experience as a working artist. Applications must include a brief letter describing project approach, CV/resume, up to 8 images of previous work with an image list (titles, mediums, sizes, years), and contact information for at least 3 references.