Organizer Information
The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing artistic expression, civic engagement, and equitable cultural development across Southern Arizona. As the region’s designated local arts agency, the Foundation manages grant programs, professional development initiatives, and public art projects in partnership with the City of Tucson, Pima County, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, and other stakeholders. Its mission emphasizes inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility in the arts while fostering meaningful community participation. By supporting individual artists, artist collectives, and nonprofit organizations, the Foundation cultivates professional opportunities and encourages community-centered artistic interventions. This work is funded through local government, federal programs, private foundations, and individual donors, with a focus on creating sustainable and culturally rich arts experiences across Southern Arizona.
Title & Description
Amazon Flats: Murals and Mosaics is an open call inviting professional artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for large-scale
mural and mosaic installations at the Amazon Flats affordable housing development in Tucson, Arizona. This project is part of the Thrive in the ‘05 Public Art Program, which integrates visual art into affordable housing developments to strengthen residents’ sense of identity and pride while reflecting the history and culture of the local community.
The public art opportunity includes two major murals—one on the west façade and another wrapping the east and south elevations of the building—and two mosaic installations, including a plaza mosaic and a resident yard mosaic. Each piece will serve as a visually engaging element in communal spaces, enhancing both the streetscape and on-site environment for residents and visitors alike. Artists are encouraged to consider the use of materials suitable for long-term outdoor installation, and to incorporate innovative design strategies that respond to the cultural and historical context of Tucson’s Southside community.
Artists are expected to collaborate with architects, project engineers, and civic stakeholders, and to participate in community engagement activities during the design phase. The murals and mosaics should be designed to maximize public interaction, visibility, and aesthetic impact while remaining durable, safe, and low-maintenance. Specific attention should be paid to environmental considerations, including the Sonoran Desert climate, and practical installation needs such as scaffolding, anti-graffiti coatings, and pedestrian safety.
This opportunity is ideal for artists experienced in large-scale
public art projects who are passionate about using their skills to enhance community spaces and create culturally meaningful installations. It offers a platform for professional recognition, public visibility, and meaningful collaboration with civic and community stakeholders.
Categories
Eligibility
- Open to professional artists and artist teams worldwide.
- Applicants may apply individually or as part of a team.
- Team leads must submit the application; representatives, managers, or galleries may not apply on behalf of artists.
- Team members applying individually are not eligible.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Total project budget: $122,935 USD, all-inclusive, covering artist fees, materials, fabrication, insurance, engineering, scaffolding, lighting, installation, permits, and all related costs.
- Opportunity to collaborate with civic stakeholders, architects, and the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona.
- Public visibility on a high-profile affordable housing project, reaching residents, visitors, and the broader Tucson community.
- Engagement with the community, including potential involvement in workshops or public consultations during the design phase.
- Contribution to long-term, culturally meaningful public artworks that reflect the identity, history, and heritage of the neighborhood.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Artist statement (≤300 words) detailing qualifications, motivation, and interest in the project.
- Resume (2 pages maximum; .doc, .docx, or .pdf).
- Six (6) work samples of completed projects (.jpg, .png, or other accepted formats), including title, date, location, dimensions, materials used, budget, and role in the project.
- Contact and personal/team information.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 5 February 2026
- Artist Selection Meeting 1 (Panel Only): April–May 2026 – selects three finalists
- Artist Selection Meeting 2 (Panel & Finalists, Zoom): May–June 2026 – finalists present design concepts
- Design Meetings & Community Engagement: July–September 2026
- Fabrication & Installation: September 2026 – March 2027 (estimated completion in Q1 2027)
Location
Tucson, Arizona, United States
Additional Details
- Mural Locations: West Mural (1,336 sf), East/South Mural (1,355 sf)
- Mosaic Locations: Plaza Mosaic (135 sf), Resident Yard Mosaic (165 sf)
- Artists must provide scaffolding if lifts are unavailable.
- Artworks must be durable, safe, outdoor-ready, and include anti-graffiti coatings.
- Community engagement is encouraged during the design phase.
- Supplemental Links:
- Amazon Flats Housing Project
- Artwork Locations PDF
- Application assistance is available via publicart@artsfoundtucson.org or by phone at (520) 624-0595
