Organizer Information

Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture is dedicated to fostering creativity, celebrating local culture, and building community engagement in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The organization partners with municipal departments, local artists, and residents to produce public art projects that enhance shared spaces while promoting environmental awareness, inclusion, and artistic excellence. Their programs often combine professional development opportunities for artists with meaningful community involvement.

Title & Description

Storm Drain Murals 2026 Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture invites local artists and artist teams to participate in the 2026 Storm Drain Murals project. Selected participants will create vibrant, environmentally-themed murals on sidewalks around prominent storm drains within the town. Each mural will measure approximately six feet in diameter and is designed to last several years. Artists are encouraged to develop creative, playful, and visually engaging designs that raise public awareness about environmental stewardship, water safety, and community engagement. The project represents a collaborative effort between the town’s Stormwater Management team and the local arts community, offering artists a chance to contribute meaningfully to public art and environmental education.

Categories

Visual Art, Mural, Public Art, Site-specific

Eligibility

  • Artists or artist teams must be 18 years or older.
  • Must live within a 40-mile radius of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
  • Open to individuals and teams capable of completing the project as specified.
  • Artists should have prior experience with murals, public art, or community-focused projects.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Finalist Proposal Compensation: $100 per artist or team.
  • Project Stipend: $1,400 per artist or team to complete mural installation.
  • Selected artists will have their work publicly displayed around the Chapel Hill community, contributing to the town’s environmental and cultural identity.
  • Mentorship and input from project stakeholders and municipal representatives.
  • Opportunity to expand professional portfolio with site-specific public art.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit materials as a single zipped file via the online portal:
  • Four (4) images of previous work (900px longest side, max 600 KB, .jpg format).
  • Image list including file name, media, and dimensions (.docx or .pdf).
  • Resume or CV (maximum 2 pages) highlighting relevant experience and projects.

How to Apply?

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 11 February 2026
  • End of February 2026: Applicants contacted with selection results
  • March 2026: Finalists submit proposals; Project Artists selected
  • March – May 2026: Project Artists finalize designs and paint murals

Location

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

Additional Details

  • Selection team may include project neighbors, previous storm drain artists, and municipal representatives.
  • Up to six finalists will be contracted to submit detailed proposals.
  • Finalists are paid for their proposal submissions and subsequent mural installations.
  • Town of Chapel Hill reserves the right to reject submissions, finalists, or works at any stage if deemed inadequate.
  • Mural designs should reflect environmental themes, community values, and artistic creativity.

Website Link: https://www.chapelhillarts.org/applications/storm-drain-murals/