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CityArt in the Alley Community Mural – Call to Artists

PROJECT SUMMARY
Twin Rivers, through its CityArt program, invites qualified artists or artist teams to submit credentials for the design and installation of a large-scale exterior mural in North Mankato, MN.

This project is part of the CityArt in the Alley creative placemaking series, developed in response to the Belgrade Avenue reconstruction project. The initiative is intended to activate the corridor during construction by enhancing the visual environment, supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement through the arts.

The selected artist will be commissioned to create a mural that reflects the creative identity of North Mankato, with emphasis on the role of the arts in strengthening community connection, vibrancy and economic vitality.

View CityArt in the Alley Community Mural Call to Artist PDF

PROJECT PARTNERS & FUNDING
This project is supported by:

  • The Marian Anderson Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation (Lead Underwriter)
  • Twin Rivers Council for the Arts ​- CityArt Program

PROJECT LOCATION
NaKato Bar & Grill
253 Belgrade Avenue
North Mankato, MN 56001

The mural site is a highly visible exterior wall within an active commercial corridor.

View Location Details

PROJECT SCOPE
The selected artist or artist team will be responsible for:

  • Developing a site-specific mural design aligned with project goals
  • Participating in stakeholder and/or community engagement opportunities through the CityArt in the Alley creative placemaking series (see pg. 5 for series activities)
  • Preparing final design for approval by project stakeholders
  • Executing the mural, including layout, painting and finishing
  • Coordinating with CityArt staff regarding schedule and logistics
  • Ensuring appropriate materials and techniques for long-term durability

PROJECT THEME
The mural should visually interpret one or more of the following:

  • The arts in North Mankato
  • The North Mankato creative/arts culture (“art vibe”)
  • The value of the arts in community identity and economic vitality

Artists are encouraged to propose original, concept-driven work that is engaging, inclusive and reflective of the local community.

PROJECT BUDGET
Total Budget: $​6​,250 (all-inclusive)
The budget includes, but is not limited to:

  • Artist design fee and compensation
  • Materials and supplies
  • Surface preparation
  • Equipment (e.g., lifts, scaffolding if required)
  • Protective coating/sealant

PROJECT TIMELINE
Call to Artists Issued: 4.23.26
Submission Deadline: 5.6.26
Artist Selection: 5.11.26
Design Development & Approval: 5.22.26
Mural Launch/Community Engagement Event: 5.31.26 (attendance required)

Installation Period: 5.31.26-7.18.26

ELIGIBILITY
This Call for Artists is open to:

  • Individual artists and artist teams
  • Local and regional artists (Minnesota and surrounding areas preferred)

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Experience with murals or large-scale public art
  • Ability to complete projects within established timelines and budgets
  • Interest in community-centered work

SELECTION PROCESS
This is a qualifications-based selection process. Finalists will be asked to develop a conceptual proposal.
Submissions will be reviewed by a selection panel composed of representatives from:

  • The Marian Anderson Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation (Community Mural Lead Underwriter)
  • Twin Rivers / CityArt
  • Gene Biewen and Noel Van Tol (CityArt in the Alley Presenting Sponsor)
  • NaKato Bar & Grill
  • ​City of North Mankato

SELECTION CRITERIA
Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Artistic excellence and originality
  • Relevant experience and portfolio quality
  • Demonstrated ability to execute large-scale work
  • Alignment with project goals and theme
  • Capacity to engage with community and stakeholders

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit the following:

  • Letter of Interest
  • Artist Statement
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Portfolio of Work (3–5 relevant examples)
    Include images, descriptions, dimensions and locations
  • ​Draft of mural concept (optional but encouraged)
  • Proposed opportunities for community engagement/shared creation through the CityArt in the Alley creative placemaking series (see pg. 5 for series activities)
  • References (optional but encouraged)

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Submit all materials electronically in a single PDF to:
cityart@twinriversarts.org
Subject Line: CityArt in the Alley Community Mural Call to Artists Submission

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The selected artist will enter into a formal agreement with Twin Rivers.
The artist will be required to adhere to all site, safety and project guidelines.
CityArt reserves the right to not select a finalist if submissions do not meet project needs.

ABOUT TWIN RIVERS
Twin Rivers is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting artists, enriching communities, and expanding access to the arts through exhibitions, public art initiatives, education and creative partnerships across southern Minnesota. www.twinriversarts.org

ABOUT CITYART
CityArt is a program of Twin Rivers dedicated to enhancing the cultural vitality of the Greater Mankato region through public art, creative placemaking and community partnerships. www.cityartmankato.com

CONTACT
For questions regarding this Call for Artists, please contact:
​S​tacey Straka, CityArt Committee Chair
cityart@twinriversarts.org
​5​07.381.8981