The Rapid City Arts Council invites mural artists (individual or group) to submit proposals for paid opportunities to share the often-untold stories of the Black Hills, using the walls of Art Alley. The project is intended to ignite conversations about our community while amplifying uncommon voices. Three murals will be funded between June and August 2023.
Art Alley was born in 2003 when artists and community members came together with city officials to create a public art space in downtown Rapid City. The walls of the adjoining businesses now feature unique artworks with personal and political expressions about community and global issues. The walls change constantly, sometimes many times a day– making Art Alley a vibrant public art space and popular destination for artists, locals, and visitors.
This “Conversation Ignitor” series of public murals is made possible through a grant from the Change Network. A public artist reception will be held for each completed mural during Downtown Art Walks on First Fridays, June-August.
Our goal is to protect these murals for display throughout the summer months, though we cannot always prevent unapproved repainting over Art Alley walls. Permits for painting in these mural spaces will not be re-released until December 2023 at the soonest.
Proposal Due Dates
We will consider all proposals submitted before July 10, 2023. If you would like to aim for a specific date, please be sure to submit your proposal before the corresponding due date.
- To be considered for June 2 – submit before May 8
- To be considered for July 7 – submit before June 5
- To be considered for August 4 – submit before July 10
Mural Specifications
- Mural spaces vary in size from 8 feet x 8 feet to 9 feet x 12 feet
- Artists may use any medium that is appropriate for outdoor murals, but it must be approved by RCAC through the submission process
Eligibility
- Local or regional artists, with a priority for Black Hills residents (South Dakota and Wyoming area)
- Past recipients of Change Network funding are ineligible for paid opportunity
- Group and individual proposals are welcome
