Call for Artists: Indoor Mural at NewBo City Market

About this call

Murals & More, The New Bohemia Czech Village SSMID and NewBo City Market are seeking artists to design and install a painted mural on the interior of the NewBo City Market building at 1100 3rd St. SE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. The vibrant and colorful mural should honor both the history of the community and its evolution, create an inviting atmosphere and inspire viewers to learn more. The wall is about 57 by 32 feet (about 1,824 square feet) of recently primed interior drywall, with two speakers and two glass garage walls, in front of a stage for community events. Artists first submit a portfolio of past work; finalists are paid $250 to prepare a design proposal, and the selected artist receives a stipend of up to $25,000 that covers all artist fees and installation costs, with paint provided by Klinger Paint and lift access by the SSMID.

Who can apply

• Open to applicants of any nationality
• Medium: Painting
• Entry fee: See official site
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. An entry may be a solo artist or a group of artists working as a single entity; candidates from a diverse array of backgrounds are encouraged. Submit the online form by November 2, 2026 with artist/group name, contact details, an artist statement (no more than 2 to 3 paragraphs), and an online portfolio link and/or up to 10 portfolio files (pdf, ppt, pptx, jpg, jpeg) of previous work; no new design is requested at this stage. Finalists are selected by November 9, 2026 and paid $250 for a design proposal due November 23, 2026; the final design is chosen in early December 2026. The selected artist signs an agreement with Murals & More; the up to $25,000 stipend covers all artist fees and installation costs, including travel, lodging, materials and rentals, paid as an initial deposit and the rest on completion. Installation is preferred to begin in December 2026/January 2027 and finish by January/February 2027 (preferred, not required). The design must be suitable for all ages, take the wall's speakers, glass garage walls and stage into account, and use materials that ensure longevity; the Market stays open during business hours while the mural is installed, with the artist's space roped off. The page does not mention an application fee.