Call to Artists: Interior Community Mural – Bridge Shelter Commons Building

The City of Vancouver invites artists or artist teams to submit proposals for a mural in the new congregate shelter located at 5313 N.E. 94th Ave. This project aims to create a welcoming, dignified, and uplifting environment for shelter residents, staff, and the surrounding community.

Project Location

The mural will be installed in the interior of the Commons Building next to the commercial kitchen and dining area. The mural area is 39’-7 ¾” wide and 9’-6” tall. The total mural area is 376 SF.

The substrate for painting is plywood, the vertical lines shown on the diagram below represent the vertical seams for the plywood every 48”.

Proposals may include community participation in the design and/or creation of the mural.

The mural area is 39 feet, 7 3/4 inches wide and 9 feet, 6 inches tall. The total mural area is 376 square feet. There are two windows. The left window is square and 15.17 square feet. The right window is a horizontal rectangle and 30.61 square feet.

Project Goals

This mural should:

  • Promote a sense of belonging, dignity, and hope
  • Reflect themes of community, resilience, and support
  • Contribute positively to the environment
  • Be mindful and respectful of the lived experiences of shelter residents

Trauma-Informed Design Guidelines

  • Artists should consider the following principles when developing their proposals:
  • Welcoming and calming imagery (avoid chaotic or overly intense visuals)
  • Positive, inclusive representation of people and community
  • Avoid imagery that could be interpreted as threatening, isolating, or stigmatizing
  • Consider themes like growth, stability, connection, nature, and renewal
  • Use color palettes that are harmonious and not overly harsh or aggressive
  • Be mindful that viewers may have experienced trauma; artwork should feel safe, grounding, and respectful

Scope of Work

The selected artist or artist team will be responsible for the design, fabrication, and installation of an indoor mural. The scope includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Developing a site-responsive mural concept that reflects the goals, themes, and community context outlined in this call
  • Participating in meetings with project staff and an advisory team, as required
  • Providing concept sketches and/or digital renderings for review and approval prior to fabrication
  • Incorporating feedback from the review process while maintaining artistic integrity
  • Preparing the installation surface, including cleaning, patching, sanding, priming, and other necessary treatments
  • Supplying all materials, equipment, lifts/scaffolding (if required), and protective coverings
  • Completing the mural installation in accordance with the approved design, project schedule, and site conditions
  • Ensuring compliance with all applicable safety regulations, building requirements, and accessibility considerations
  • Applying appropriate protective coatings or sealants to ensure durability, cleanability, and longevity
  • Coordinating site access and installation schedule with the project manager or designated representative
  • Maintaining a clean, safe, and minimally disruptive work environment during installation
  • Participating in documentation of the completed work (e.g., photographs, brief artist statement, or process images)
  • Completing a final walkthrough and addressing any required touch-ups or corrections
  • Removing all tools, materials, and debris, leaving the site in a clean and finished condition

Materials and Durability

Artists should use high-quality, interior-grade materials suitable for long-term indoor livability and cleaning.

Budget

  • Budget should include all costs: artist fee, design, materials, surface preparation, equipment, travel (if applicable), and installation.
    • Artist is responsible for all costs, including: Design Fee, materials, surface preparation, equipment, travel, and installation.
    • If a projected cost cannot be covered by the artist, this must be disclosed in the proposal.

Timeline

Submission Requirements

  • Call released: May 1, 2026
  • Submission deadline: July 31, 2026
  • Artist selection: August 1 -30, 2026
  • Design approval: September 15, 2026
  • Approximate installation window: October 1-31, 2026

Submission Requirements

Please include the following:

  • Brief artist statement (1–2 paragraphs)
  • Concept proposal or preliminary sketch (can be conceptual)
  • Portfolio of past work (especially murals or public art)
  • Proposed timeline for completion
  • Budget breakdown

Selection Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

  • Qualifications (experience and portfolio)
  • Alignment with project goals and trauma-informed principles
  • Design and approach
  • Feasibility and durability of proposed approach

Design Review

Final designs will be reviewed and approved by the City of Vancouver advisory committee prior to installation.

How to Apply

Submit materials to: Kerry.Peck@cityofvancouver.us
Subject line: Commons Building Mural Submission – [Artist Name]