Call for Artists: “Greetings From El Mirage” Mural Project

The West Valley Arts Council, in partnership with the City of El Mirage, is seeking talented and passionate artists to design a mural for a highly visible public art installation located in El Mirage, Arizona.

This mural will celebrate the identity, culture, and history of El Mirage through a “Greetings From…” postcard-style design, creating a welcoming landmark that reflects the spirit of the community.

About the Opportunity

Location:  12013 W. Thunderbird Rd  El Mirage, Arizona  (East-facing wall)

Final Installation Size:  Up to 12 feet high x 44 feet wide

Artist Commission Fee:  $8,000

Finalist Stipends:  Three (3) finalists will each receive $400 to develop a final concept.

Deadline for Submissions: May 15, 2026

Project Description

The selected mural design will be inspired by the nostalgic “Greetings From…” postcard style, incorporating the iconic block letters and  imagery that represents the culture, heritage, and defining characteristics of El Mirage.

To ensure durability and quality of the installation, the selected artist will paint the final artwork on a 36” x 48” canvas.  The image will then be digitized and enlarged into a vinyl wall wrap for installation on the building facade.

The City of El Mirage will retain ownership of both the original canvas and the mural image.

Suggested Design Themes

Artists are encouraged to incorporate visual elements representing El Mirage, including but not limited to:

• Agriculture
• Agua Fria River
• Luke Air Force Base / Air Force heritage
• Community and family life
• Established 1951
• Gateway to the Northwest Valley
• Grand Avenue
• Latino culture and heritage
• Railroad history

Artists may interpret these themes creatively while maintaining the classic “Greetings From…” postcard aesthetic.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a diverse range of artists capable of developing a strong, visually compelling mural concept.

Strong candidates will have:

• Experience creating large-scale or public artwork (preferred but not required)
• The ability to translate a concept into a clean, scalable design
• An understanding of community-centered public art
• Professional reliability and the ability to meet deadlines

Artists must be 18 years or older to apply.

Submission Requirements

To be considered, please submit the following as a single PDF:

Resume or CV  Highlight relevant artistic experience, public art projects, or exhibitions.

Portfolio  Include at least three examples of previous work, preferably murals or large-format artwork if available.

Artist Statement  Briefly describe your artistic style, approach, and interest in this project.

Selection Process

The selection process will occur in two phases:

Phase 1: Artist Selection

A panel will review submissions and select three finalist artists.

Three finalists will each receive a $400 stipend to develop a detailed mural concept.

Phase 2: Final Design Selection

Finalists will present their completed design concepts to the panel. One artist will be selected to execute the final artwork.

Project Timeline (Tentative)

Call for Artists Issued — March 16, 2026  Submission Deadline — May 15, 2026

Round 1 Panel Review — June 1–19, 2026  Finalists Announced — Week of June 22, 2026

Final Concept Submission Deadline — July 12, 2026

Final Artist Selection — July 13–31, 2026

Artwork Completed — August 31, 2026

Vinyl Installation Complete — September 30, 2026

Public Unveiling — October 2026

Things to Keep in Mind if Selected

Compensation  The selected artist will receive a commission of $8,000 for the creation of the mural artwork.

Finalist Stipends  Three finalists will each receive $400 for developing their concept designs.

Production Method  The final artwork must be hand-painted on a 36” x 48” canvas, which will be digitized and reproduced as a vinyl wall wrap for installation.

Original Work Requirement  All artwork must be 100% original and not generated or modified using artificial intelligence tools.

Public Engagement  The selected artist may be asked to participate in community engagement or unveiling events related to the project.

Submission Details

All application materials must be submitted by May 15, 2026.

Submissions must be completed through the Culturalyst platform, which can be accessed through our website at www.westvalleyarts.org under the Artist Opportunities section.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact:

Jimmy Davis  Director of Programs and Administration  West Valley Arts Council  jimmy@westvalleyarts.org

To learn more about the West Valley Arts Council, visit:  www.westvalleyarts.org

About West Valley Arts Council

The West Valley Arts Council is dedicated to enriching the region through public art, arts education, and cultural programming across the West Valley.

Through initiatives like this mural project, we aim to celebrate community identity, support artists, and create meaningful public spaces through art.