Vision Zero Street Mural

The Alexandria Public Art Program is inviting artists and muralists to submit qualifications to design and execute a street mural associated with a new mini-roundabout in the City. The mural location is planned at the intersection of Hickory Street and Kennedy Street in the Warwick Village neighborhood of Alexandria. The Vision Zero project aims to elevate the importance of safe intersections for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists; incorporate artwork reflective of the neighborhood's identity and celebrating the culture, spirit, and/or history of the area; strengthen community sense through local engagement; create safer streets following federal and industry guidance on best practices and ADA guidelines; and develop a pilot project contributing to research on public art and transportation.

The selected artist will receive $20,000 for meeting participation, design, materials, and installation. Upon selection in July, the project timeline requires the artist to begin community engagement in August 2024 with installation no later than November 1, 2024. The mural design should be appropriate for all audiences, colorful and bold for viewing from a distance. The artist will be required to meet with the community prior to installation, and these conversations may inform the concept design. Paints must be approved by the City prior to installation and selected for durability on asphalt. The artwork must comply with Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards.

Applications must include a brief letter describing project approach and community engagement strategy, a CV/resume, names and contact information for at least 3 references, and images of previous work samples (up to 6) with titles, mediums, sizes, and years. Do not submit specific design proposals. This call is open to artists living in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C. who are 18 years or older. Artists with street mural experience and applied community engagement strategies are encouraged to apply. The Task Force may interview finalists prior to final selection by mid-July, with the selected artist recommended by the Task Force and approved by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.