The City of Lawrence has recently issued two calls for artists to submit proposals for downtown public art.
Vermont Street Garage mural project
The city has issued a request for qualifications from individuals or teams interested in creating a mural in the Vermont Street Parking Garage.
Located at 725 Vermont St., the mural would be on the ground-level, west-facing wall opposite the stairs on the Vermont Street side of the structure. The space is approximately 18 feet wide and 10 feet high.
“Artists are encouraged to create a design that reflects our community’s unique character, creativity and inclusivity,” according to a press release. “Artists may also incorporate imaginative or playful references to the Lawrence Public Library, located just north of the garage.”
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Applications are only open to Lawrence-based people or teams who are 18 or older. Submissions must include an artist bio, CV or resume, work samples and a brief written and/or sketch concept. Teams must specify their lead artists and all group members.
“A review committee will select up to three finalists and each will receive a $300 stipend to develop a conceptual proposal,” per the release. One artist or team will be selected for the project and supplied with a $5,500 commission.
Here is the full RFQ with a detailed breakdown of timelines. Applications are open until 11 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16.
2026 Unmistakable Public Art Exhibition
The city recently hosted an opening reception and public tour for the 2025 Unmistakable Public Art Exhibition.
The Unmistakable Public Art Exhibition, reenvisioned from the Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition, has taken place annually since 1988. The city has issued a call for next year’s temporary exhibition, themed “Celebrate the Spirit of Soccer/Fútbol in Lawrence.”
“The 2026 program is adapted for area artists to create new public artwork for World Cup 2026!” according to a city press release. “Let your creativity take the field — and help Lawrence honor the world’s game through the power of public art!”
The online application is open until 11 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17.
Individual artists or teams can apply by providing a biographical statement or team information, a written proposal and examples of prior work.
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