Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, the location for the mural project must be within Boulder city limits. Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) staff will work with the chosen applicant to select an artist or artist team from the city’s mural roster to implement this project. To promote community cohesion, chosen applicants must connect with their neighbors to share the concept and location of the mural. Please note that funding will be provided to the selected artist, not the community member who fills out an application for a mural in their neighborhood.
Projects are selected on a first-come-first-served basis within 10 subcommunities. Special consideration will go to neighborhoods that have not participated in similar programs in the past, with a focus on lower income neighborhoods, including permanently affordable designated communities and mobile home parks.
Eligible applicants include neighborhood-based groups, neighborhood associations, individuals residing in neighborhood, place-based nonprofits.
Ineligible applicants include for-profit businesses, commercial or business districts, business associations.
Because all mural projects in Boulder are exposed to physical stresses, inclement weather, and are subject to vandalism, another criterion is whether the project will be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials.
Rolling Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 29, 2024 | Application opens - rolling deadline |
| Within four weeks | Applicants will be notified if their property is selected, and artist selection begins |
| One week after notification | Artist selection is due to OAC |
| Within one to three weeks | Applicant must visit neighbors during this time to share information about the project (provided by OAC) and obtain neighbor signatures |
| Oct. 15, 2024 | Application closes |
| Summer 2024 - September 2025 | Mural installations |
| Sept. 30, 2025 | All mural projects must be completed, and the selected applicant must provide the OAC with two to five photos of the mural including at least one photo of community engagement with the mural. |
Office of Arts + Culture Provides:
- Mural Artist Roster
- Project management of overall program and individual projects
- Financial support (up to $7,500/project paid to the mural artist)
- Permitting approval and support
- Publicity and promotion of the project
Property Owner Provides:
- Some material costs (if feasible for property owner)
- Property/site that is publicly accessible
- Wall preparation (cleaning, repairing, priming, etc.)
- Upkeep of mural/site for minimum of 5 years
Budget
Funding up to $7,500 per project is paid directly to the artist. Funds paid to the artist are inclusive of the artist’s concept design work, materials, equipment, and any other items required for project installation. The property owner is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the mural. Maintenance funds are not guaranteed by the city.