Discover Downtown

Call for Artists

February 26, 2026
Graphic banner reading “Call for Artists” in large teal letters with the subtitle “Downtown Streetscape Wrap Program.” The design includes photos of a brightly colored utility box wrapped in floral artwork with monarch butterflies and a painted planter featuring bold botanical designs. The Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP) logo appears on the right side against a teal background.

Downtown Streetscape Wrap Design Program

Issued by: Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc.
Location: Downtown Excelsior Springs, Missouri
Release date: Friday, February 27, 2028
Proposal Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Project Overview

The Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. (DEP) is soliciting proposals from artists and designers to create original artwork for a rotating streetscape enhancement initiative in Downtown Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Selected artwork will be professionally printed as vinyl wraps and installed on downtown planters and electrical utility boxes. The goal of this initiative is to introduce color, creativity, and visual interest throughout the district while enhancing the pedestrian experience.

DEP anticipates selecting up to seven (7) original designs. DEP reserves the right to select fewer designs based on submission quality and project fit.

This program is intended as a rotating activation initiative. Installations are expected to remain in place for approximately 2-3 years.

Project Scope

Selected artists will provide high-resolution, production-ready digital artwork suitable for large-format vinyl printing and dimensional surface wrapping.

Artwork will be applied to the following surfaces:

Downtown Planters
Planter Type A – 27″ height x 46″ width x 13″ depth
Planter Type B – 36″ height x 30″ width x 13″ depth

Electrical Utility Boxes
Electrical Box A – 36.5″ height x 36.5″ width x 11.25″ depth
Electrical Box B – 29.5″ heights x 36″ width x 12.25″ depth

Designs must be adaptable to multiple surface sizes and multi-sided applications.

DEP will be responsible for:

  • Printer selection
  • Material approval
  • Color proofing
  • Installation coordination

Artists may be required to assist with final scaling and file preparation adjustments to ensure proper production.

Artistic Direction

There is no required theme. Creative interpretation is encouraged.

Designs should enhance the vibrancy of Downtown Excelsior Springs and create visually engaging public art moments.

Designs do not need to be cohesive as a series.

Artists may submit multiple concepts. Collaborative submissions are permitted.

Designs may NOT include:

  • Sponsor logos or business recognition
  • Political content
  • Explicit or offensive imagery
  • Copyrighted or licensed material

Artwork should consider practical application elements, including:

  • Wrap seams
  • Corners and transitions
  • Access panels
  • Vents and hardware
  • Multi-sided visibility

Artwork should maintain visual integrity when wrapped across dimensional surfaces.

Originality & AI Policy

All submitted artwork must be original and created by the submitting artist or collaborative team.

Artwork generated primarily through artificial intelligence (AI) or generative image tools is not eligible.

By submitting, artists certify that work is their original creation and does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights. DEP reserves the right to request documentation of the creative process from selected artists.

Compensation

Selected artists will receive up to $500 per approved design.

DEP anticipates selecting up to seven (7) designs.

Payment will be issued upon:

  1. Execution of an Artwork Purchase Agreement
  2. Delivery of final, production-ready files

Compensation includes up to two (2) reasonable revision rounds prior to final approval.

If a design is not selected, the artist retains full ownership.

Upon payment, DEP will obtain full ownership rights to the selected artwork, including reproduction rights for marketing, promotional, digital, and print purposes. Artists retain the right to display the work in their professional portfolio.

Technical Requirements (For Selected Artists)

Final artwork must be submitted as:

  • Vector format
  • 300 DPI at full production scale
  • CMYK color profile
  • Minimum 0.5″ bleed
  • All fonts outlined
  • All linked images embedded

Files must be prepared for large format vinyl printing

Submission Requirements

Proposals must include:

  • Artist name and contact information
  • Brief artist statement (maximum one page)
  • Portfolio of relevant work (PDF or link)
  • Finished design concept(s) for consideration
  • Short written description of each design concept (maximum one page per design)

Submission Format

Design concepts must be submitted in one of the following formats:

  • PDF
  • PNG
  • JPEG

Vector files are NOT required at the submission stage.

Submission must be sent electronically to:
exec@visitesprings.com
Subject Line: Streetscape Wrap Call for Artists – [Artist Name]
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Late submissions may not be considered

Selection Process

Submissions will be evaluated on:

  • Artistic quality
  • Visual Impact
  • Feasbility for dimensional wrap application
  • Technical readiness
  • Overall contribution to downtown vibrancy

DEP reserves the right to:

  • Select up to seven (7) designs
  • Select fewer designs
  • Request minor modifications
  • Involve the community in a public voting process
  • Reject any or all submissions.

DEP’s decision shall be final.

Project Timeline

RFP Issued: Friday, February 27, 2026
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Selection Notification: Monday, April 20, 2026
Final File Delivery Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026
Installation Target Date: Monday, June 1, 2026

Questions

All questions regarding this Call for Artists must be submitted via email to:

Lyndsey M. Baxter
Executive Director
Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc.
exec@visitesprings.com