Call for Walls

The Call for Walls program invites private property owners to partner with the City of Sarasota’s Public Art Program to bring artist-designed murals to eligible building walls. This initiative supports the installation of publicly visible murals on privately owned properties, with mural projects selected and funded through the Public Art Program.

About the Program

Call for Walls expands the reach of public art by activating private walls in locations with strong visual impact. Approved mural sites are selected based on visibility, feasibility, and alignment with the goals of the City’s adopted Public Art Plan.

Selected property owners enter into a legal agreement to ensure:

• Basic maintenance of the mural over a defined period, and
• Preparation of the wall, including pressure washing and priming the surface prior to installation.

This is a limited opportunity, with approximately 1–2 projects funded per year.

Eligibility & Application Process

• Applications must be submitted by the legal property owner, as listed on the Sarasota County Property Appraiser website.

• Walls must be adjacent to and fully visible from the public right-of-way.

• Property owners may:
  • Propose a specific artist or artwork,
  • Request a public Call for Artists, or
  • Work with Public Art staff to invite artists from the Artist Roster to respond to a limited Request for Proposals (RFP).

Applications will be evaluated based on project feasibility and alignment with the Public Art Plan.

Community Engagement

All mural designs must undergo a community outreach and engagement process, including support from the relevant City-recognized Neighborhood Association. This ensures that artwork reflects the identity and interests of the surrounding community.

Restrictions on Commercial Content

The Public Art Program does not fund commercial artwork. Murals that incorporate corporate logos, brand names, promotional images, or any reference to products or services sold on-site are ineligible. Funded murals must focus on non-commercial artistic expression that enhances the public realm.

Participating in the Call for Walls Program is an opportunity to contribute to Sarasota’s cultural landscape, support walkability and placemaking, and bring lasting public art to your community. All mural concepts are subject to a thorough design development and community engagement process coordinated by the City’s Public Art Program.

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