07/30/2026
CALLING PUBLIC ARTISTS - Mural Opportunity
TL;DR
Request for Mural 28'x27'
Create a memorable visual experience
Submission requirements (individually or as team): Letter of interest, artist résumé or biography, portfolio of previous work, project narrative, color rendering of the proposed mural, preliminary project timeline, complete project budget, list of requested site support, and three professional references.
Proposals due: 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Selected artist: Announced in August.
Project completion anticipated around September 1, 2026.
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Seaside Downtown Development Association is inviting artists from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond to submit proposals for a new large-scale public mural that will transform the north side of the downtown parking garage into one of Seaside's newest public art destinations. This project is funded with Grant Money from the City of Seaside Tourism Advisory Committee.
The mural will be installed on the north wall of the downtown parking garage, overlooking an alley that serves as a pedestrian connection through Downtown Seaside. Measuring approximately 28 feet wide by 27 feet high, the project is intended to create a memorable visual experience that encourages visitors to explore downtown while enhancing the surrounding public space.
This project is about more than creating a beautiful mural ...We're investing in placemaking that encourages people to discover more of Downtown Seaside, spend more time exploring our businesses, and experience our community in a new way. Public art has the power to create destinations, strengthen community identity, and support local economic vitality.
Since 1993, the Seaside Downtown Development Association has worked to enhance the environmental and economic viability of Downtown Seaside through beautification projects, business support, events, and strategic investments that strengthen the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.
The selected mural is expected to advance several community goals, including:
- Expanding public art opportunities in Downtown Seaside.
- Creating a vibrant, welcoming pedestrian environment.
- Improving perceptions of safety within the alley.
- Encouraging additional foot traffic to nearby businesses.
- Creating a highly photogenic destination that inspires repeat visits and social media engagement.
Rather than prescribing a specific artistic theme, SDDA has intentionally left the creative direction open, encouraging artists to develop original concepts that complement the character of Downtown Seaside while creating an engaging and interactive public experience.
Artists may submit proposals individually or as teams. Each submission should include a letter of interest, artist résumé or biography, portfolio of previous work, project narrative, color rendering of the proposed mural, preliminary project timeline, complete project budget, list of requested site support, and three professional references.
Unlike many public art commissions, SDDA is asking artists to propose a complete project budget rather than working within a predetermined funding amount. This approach allows the selection committee to evaluate a variety of creative approaches while gaining a clear understanding of the resources required for each proposal.
Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, August 3, 2026.
The selected artist will be announced in August, with project completion anticipated around September 1, 2026.
Proposals may be submitted electronically to [email protected] or mailed to:
Seaside Downtown Development Association
P.O. Box 133
Seaside, OR 97138
Artists interested in the project may request site photographs or additional information by contacting the Seaside Downtown Development Association.
For the complete Request for Proposals and additional project information, visit www.seasidedowntown.com or contact SDDA at [email protected].
About SDDA:
The Seaside Downtown Development Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the environmental and economic viability of Downtown Seaside through business development, beautification, promotions, events, and community partnerships. Working alongside local businesses, property owners, residents, and community organizations, SDDA invests in projects that strengthen Downtown Seaside as a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors.
