Call for Artists: $15,000 Public Mural Opportunity at Essex Street Arts Center in Buffalo
Western New York artists are invited to apply for a large-scale public mural exploring “Transformation in Motion” on Buffalo’s West Side.
BUFFALO - Artists across Western New York are invited to apply for a new large-scale public mural opportunity at the Essex Street Arts Center on Buffalo’s West Side. Presented in partnership with the Arts Services Initiative of Western New York, the project will transform a highly visible facade at 30 Essex Street into a bold, site-responsive work of public art.
Selected artists will design and install a mural spanning five metal roll-up garage doors, totaling approximately 96 feet in width. The theme, “Transformation in Motion,” encourages artists to explore ideas of change, movement, resilience, and the site’s creative legacy. The total project budget is $15,000, inclusive of artist fees, materials, and installation costs.
The call for artists opens January 5, 2026, with applications due by February 20, 2026 at 5:00pm. Installation is expected to take place in spring or early summer, with project completion scheduled for summer 2026.
Priority will be given to artists living in Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties. Both individual artists and collaborative teams with experience in large-scale or public art projects are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must submit a single PDF that includes a concept proposal, preliminary budget, examples of past work, and an artist statement and resume. Full application details are available at asiwny.org. Questions may be directed to info@asiwny.org.