Open Call for Artists: Ladies Only Mural Mash
Rokh Research & Design Studio is excited to announce the Ladies Only Mural Mash, a public art initiative that will transform the Shelby Street corridor into a vibrant, welcoming space. This stretch, linking Fountain Square to downtown Indianapolis and spanning Prospect Street to Washington Street, has long been underdeveloped and underserved by public art.
We are seeking women artists and women-led artist teams to create murals on six buildings along Shelby Street. Each mural will serve as a beacon of color and creativity, turning blight into beauty and bringing life to a corridor in transition.
The project’s goals are to:
Revitalize neglected spaces and foster community pride
Deter vandalism through intentional, high-quality public art
Contribute to a safer, more inviting neighborhood during a time of growth and development
This is more than a mural project, it’s a collective effort to reimagine Shelby Street as a corridor of possibility, safety, and community connection.
APPLY TODAY
https://www.publicartforall.com/artprojects
Eligibility:
– Women and femme identifying muralists and visual artists working in 2D media.
– Individual artists, artist teams, and collectives are welcome to apply.
– Artists must be at least 18 years old.
– Artists must carry insurance.
– Artists must be available October 30- November 2 for installation
Timeline:
– Applications due: by 5p September 28th
– Notification of selected artist(s): Oct 1 by 12p
– Project start: Thursday October 30, 2025
– Project completion: Sunday November 2, 2025
Project Details:
Each mural is budgeted at $5,000. including artist fee, design, materials, supplies, insurance, transportation, and installation.
Supplemental supplies will be provided and mural coordinators for additional support.
APPLY TODAY
https://www.publicartforall.com/artprojects
Read more at our Frequently Asked Questions :
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FAQ
1. Who is eligible to apply?
This call is open to women and femme identifying muralists and visual artists working in 2D media. Individual artists, artist teams, and collectives are welcome to apply. Artists must be at least 18 years old. Artists must carry insurance.
2. Do I need to live locally to apply?
Preference may be given to artists who live or work in Indianapolis, IN but artists from outside the area are welcome to apply. Please note that travel, lodging, and per diem expenses are the responsibility of the artist unless otherwise specified.
3. What is the theme or vision for the mural(s)?
The murals will be reflective of each facility. Each artist will be paired with a building owner in order to develop the concept.
4. What is the project timeline?
Applications due: by 5p September 28th
Notification of selected artist(s): Oct 1 by 12p
Project start: Thursday October 30, 2025
Project completion: Sunday November 2, 2025
5. What is the budget?
Each mural commission is budgeted at $5,000. This includes artist fee, design, materials, supplies, insurance, transportation, and installation.
6. Are materials provided?
Artists are expected to source their own materials. Some support (e.g., scaffolding, lift, wall prep/priming) may be provided depending on the site.
7. What type of surfaces will I be painting on?
Mural locations may include [brick and concrete]. Site-specific details, including dimensions and conditions, will be shared with selected artists.
8. Do I need prior mural experience?
Prior large-scale mural experience is preferred but not required. Artists with strong portfolios in other visual media will be considered. If selected, artists new to murals may be paired with experienced muralists or receive technical support.
9. What is required in the application?
Resume or CV
Portfolio of up to [10] images of past work
10. Will artists receive support during installation?
Yes, selected artists will be connected with a site coordinator and an apprentice to assist with logistics, wall prep, and other items as needed.
11. What are the expectations for community engagement?
Artists may be asked to participate in conversations with the building owner to identify the best design.
12. Who owns the rights to the mural once completed?
The mural becomes part of the permanent public art collection of Rokh Research & Design Studio. Artists retain copyright to their designs and images but grant the commissioning organization the right to reproduce the artwork for promotional and educational purposes.
13. How are artists selected?
A panel of community members, arts professionals, and project partners will review applications based on artistic quality, relevance to theme, feasibility, and alignment with community values.
14. How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted by 5p September 28, 2025 through the online portal only. Late submissions will not be considered.
15. Who can I contact with questions?
Please reach out to Rokh Research & Design Studio at pafa@rokh.co with any additional questions.
APPLY TODAY
https://www.publicartforall.com/artprojects