FY27 Fresh Paint DC: CAH Mural Program

About this call

The Public Art department of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is soliciting applications from experienced local mural artists for Fresh Paint DC: CAH Mural Program, to design and install large-scale exterior murals on the facade of selected buildings within the District of Columbia. The program funds local artists to install original murals in accessible public spaces, aims to reflect place-based identities in each design and to foster communal stewardship of the mural. Individual artists or Artist Teams of two may apply. Notification to all applicants is expected on or about February 2027, and the grant period runs from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.

Who can apply

• Limited by country or region
• Medium: Painting
• Entry fee: See official site
• Open to mural artists aged 18 or older who have been residents of the District of Columbia for at least one year before the deadline and keep DC residency for the whole grant period, with a permanent DC address that matches the one on the W-9 (no post office boxes), a federal Taxpayer Identification Number and a Certificate of Clean Hands. Applicants need a documented record of designing, fabricating and installing a large-scale exterior public art mural, and must be in good standing with CAH. Individuals or Artist Teams of two (one Lead Artist); one application per individual; teams of more than two, organizations and individuals requiring fiscal agents are ineligible. Required: CV (2 pages max), artist statement (500 words max), work impact statement (300 words max), work sample statement (300 words max; a team that has not worked together adds one collaborative design sample), up to 5 JPG images (10 for teams) with an identification table, Certificate of Clean Hands and IRS W-9 dated within 30 days, a statement of certification, an insurance quote or proof of insurance, the copyright warranty (Addendum C) and proof of at least one year of DC residency. Grantees must hold general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Artist fee may not exceed 20% of the grant budget. Submit through the CAH online grant portal by 5 PM EST; mailed, emailed or hand-delivered applications are not accepted except as a disability accommodation approved in advance.