Application Details

The City of Gloucester seeks applications from artists or artist teams interested in creating one-of-a-kind window murals on Main Street. Selected artists will be matched with local businesses to create a hand-painted temporary mural on display during the second half of 2026. 

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The theme of these murals is: “Imagining Gloucester’s Future.” Artists are encouraged to design murals that will envision the future of Gloucester through community, art, fishing, tourism, geography, and more. The goal of these murals is to activate Main Street through engaging, place-based visual art that celebrates the City of Gloucester.

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The selected artists will be provided an honorarium of $1,500. Available windows on Main Street are variable but tend to be within 6 ft by 10 ft.  Murals are generally expected to fill only part of the available window. 

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WHO CAN APPLY

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All U.S. based artists or teams, 18+ years old, are eligible. Preference to those with demonstrated connection to Gloucester or similar working waterfront, arts and culture communities. Diverse and emerging artists are strongly encouraged to apply.

SELECTION

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The selection process will be conducted by the City of Gloucester’s Committee for the Arts (CFTA), a group made up of citizen volunteers chosen by the Mayor and City Council. The Committee for the Arts was established by city ordinance in 2000 to appreciate local art and artists and to promote and celebrate Gloucester’s cultural heritage. Outside expertise may be consulted to ensure breadth of perspective.

Selection criteria emphasize the public purpose and community benefit:

• Artistic vision: A clear, creative approach to imagining Gloucester’s Future and activating Main Street through positive, vibrant images.

• Experience: Experience designing and implementing large-scale outdoor paintings preferred. 

AWARD

Up to eight artists or artist teams will receive an honorarium of $1,500. This must cover all project-related costs including artist fees, materials, insurance, travel, and installation. Each artist or artist team can apply to create a single mural or multiple murals pending their bandwidth.

To apply for multiple murals, please fill out this Google Form application for each mural concept. If multiple murals are awarded to a single artist or artist teams, a stipend will be awarded per each single mural.

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The City of Gloucester will enter into a grant agreement with the selected applicant.

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TIMELINE

• Call Released: May 6, 2026

• Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. In-person Info Session at the Harbormasters Conference Room. Please RSVP here.

• Tuesday, June 2, 2026 from 12:00 - 1:00 pm. Virtual Info Session on Google Meet. Please RSVP here.

• Application Due: June 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM  

• Selection Announced: July 2026

• Grant Agreement Finalized: July 2026

• Mural Completed By: September 3, 2026  

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