Main Line Art Center is looking for a mural artist or artist team to create a mural on the front of our building located at 746 Panmure Road, Haverford, PA. The mural will be part of America’s Semiquincentennial celebration, specifically Amerca250 PA. “A Celebration of Pennsylvania Artists: Past, Present, and Future” mural project will center on celebrating the artists that have made Philadelphia a premier cultural hub in the country both past and present. Artists highlighted in proposed designs may include, but are not limited to, Thomas Eakins (1844-1916), Alice Neel (1900-1984), Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009), James Brantley (1945), Y’vonne Jaquette (1934-2023), and Joan Wadleigh Curran (1950-2023). Submissions should focus on historical and contemporary artists that have impacted the cultural landscape of Philadelphia, and who represent diverse backgrounds and influences. They should also consider the surrounding landscape and neighborhood.

Site:

The location, encompassing flat stucco walls, is located on the front of the Art Center building on the gallery addition to the historical part of the mansion. The mural can extend under and over the gallery windows and can include the pillars between the windows (each pillar is approximately 2 ft wide X 9 ft tall). Please see images for wall measurements. This also includes the breezeway attaching the gallery to the historic mansion and the side wall of the mansion. Mural proposals can include some or all of these spaces. Please see images on website for approximate wall measurements.

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to all professional artists and artist teams (up to 5 members) with prior outdoor mural experience located in the Greater Philadelphia area. This call is open to artists above the age of 18.

Budget: $14,000 total including:    

Artist’s time, including but not limited to planning/drafting process and unveiling events    

Materials, supplies, installation        

Main Line Art Center will help secure scaffolding or a lift for installation. Because of the location of the site, one of these will be required.

Selection Process: The artist(s) will be determined by a selection committee chosen by Main Line Art Center that will include Art Center staff, board members, teaching artists and community members. The selection committee will review applications and select 3 finalists who will develop a concept proposal for the project. The 2 artists who are not chosen for the project will be compensated for their proposals ($500).The selected artist/artist team will receive half of the total compensation once the final design is approved and the remaining portion upon completion of the mural.

Expected Timeline (subject to change):    

Call closes: February 16, 2026    

3 finalists notified: By March 2, 2026    

Project Proposals due from finalists: March 27, 2026    

Selected artist notified: April 13, 2026    

Mural project begins: May 2026 (flexible)    

Mural completion: Within 8 weeks of the start date

Additional time can be granted if coordinated in advance of project commencement.

Application Requirements

Applications must include the following materials:    

Letter of Interest (500 words or less): An artist statement will be required by the artist who will be the lead contact and project manager. The statement should be a brief letter expressing your interest in the project and address how your past experience demonstrates that you can successfully meet the goals of this project (budget/timeline). If a team is applying, explain the team member’s roles and why your teams’ experience makes you the best candidate for this project.    

Examples of Past Work: A minimum of 3, and no more than 5 images of previous completed mural projects along with title, year started/completed, size, location, and any important details.    

Professional Resume/CV: Include a professional resume for yourself and each team member, if applicable.    

References: Provide 3 references and their contact information from past projects. References will only be contacted if artist/artist team is selected as a finalist.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.