Call for Artist, Public Art for 10th Street Emerging Cultural District - Indy Arts Council

Overview

The 10th Street Emerging Cultural District steering committee is seeking an artist to complete a mural or sculpture near the Emerson Theatre along East 10th Street (spanning Sherman to Leland Streets). This grant-funded initiative aims to commission public art that celebrates the community and adds to a sense of place.

Project Details

• Location: Near the Emerson Theatre, East 10th Street (exact site finalized with selected artist)
• Materials: Durable, low-maintenance, suitable for a busy urban corridor
• Scale: Visible and impactful from the street
• Project Budget: $8,000 maximum, to include design, fabrication, and installation

Themes & Inspiration

• The historic Emerson Theater as a neighborhood cultural anchor, past and present
• The Emerson Theater as an entertainment hub
• Diversity, belonging, and the evolving cultural mix of the corridor
• Working-class grit and resilience
• The area's history as a streetcar and transit suburb
• A warm, eclectic, down-to-earth aesthetic—not corporate or polished

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: September 20, 2026
• Installation Deadline: December 26, 2026
• Funding expires after 2026

Eligibility & Preferences

Artists from the Near Eastside or with a community-engaged process are strongly preferred.

How to Apply

• Name of artist and any partner(s)
• Contact address, email, and phone number
• Social media handles/info
• Professional bio, resume, or CV (no longer than 2 pages)
• Up to 5 images of past work that best represent your experience, style, and ability as it relates to this project
• Brief statement of interest and any early thinking on the theme

Questions

For questions concerning this Call for Artist, contact the Cultural District Steering Committee at [email protected].