CALL FOR ARTISTS! Community Mural: Uptown Mt. Sterling, IL
Project Overview: Action Brown County, in partnership with Arts Quincy, invites proposals from qualified artists or artist teams to design and install a new public mural in Uptown Mt. Sterling, IL. The mural should reflect the heritage, natural beauty, community spirit, and vision for the future of Brown County, while enhancing the downtown streetscape.
Location: East-facing wall of 143 W. Main Street, Mt. Sterling, IL
Dimensions: Approx. 100 ft. wide x 14–18 ft. high
Budget: Total project budget not to exceed $15,000, inclusive of artist fees, travel, supplies, materials, and equipment rentals.
Timeline: Completion Deadline: September 26, 2025Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. (CST)
Themes May Include:
Local icons: courthouse, harness horse, Tip Top Notcher pig, lemon ice cream, white-tail deer, Hornet mascot
Natural scenery: farmland, rolling hills, turkeys, Mt. Sterling Lake, agriculture
Events: Brown County Fair, Mt. Sterling Winter Festival
Future & hope: children playing, education
Unity: symbols of connection and pride
Economic drivers: subtle reference to Dot Foods
Brown County branding & “Greetings from Brown County” motif
Designs must be original and distinct from existing Uptown Mt. Sterling murals.
Application Requirements:
Please submit a digital proposal that includes:
Completed application form
Artist resume or biography
Up to 15 digital images of relevant past work
Full-color, scaled sketch/rendering of proposed mural
Written description of the design concept and how it connects to the community
Explanation of process for scaling concept to wall
List of proposed materials
Detailed budget (including wall prep, equipment, production, and cleanup)
Timeline for execution
Project Description (to include in proposal):
Budget: Must not exceed $15,000 total
Content: Must be original and appropriate for all ages
Audience & Purpose: Explain how design engages public and enhances the space
Ownership: Mural becomes property of Action Brown County
Durability: Include materials and sealing process to ensure mural lasts 3–5 years, plus maintenance recommendations
Eligibility:
Artists or teams with public art experience strongly preferred. At least one team member should have completed a minimum of 3 public art projects in the past five years. References required.
Rules & Terms:
Designs must be suitable for public viewing and all ages. Completed artwork becomes the property of Action Brown County. By applying, artist(s) agree to all terms in this call
How to Submit:
Submit your complete proposal by July 31, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. (CST) to:
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Subject line: Mt. Sterling Mural Proposal
If files exceed 15 MB, send link to view photos by emailing the same address.
For More Information, visit: artsquincy.org
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