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, April 23, 2028
Proposal Deadline: Sunday, May 24, 2026

Project Overview

The Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. (DEP) is seeking artists to create original, hand-painted artwork on downtown planters as part of a new streetscape enhancement initiative in Downtown Excelsior Springs.

This program is designed to introduce color, creativity, and visual interest throughout the district while supporting artists and activating public space.

Selected artists will paint their designs directly onto planters located throughout downtown. Artwork will be publicly displayed throughout the summer season.

DEP intends for this to become an annual program, featuring new planter artwork each year.

Project Scope

Selected artists will be assigned one or more downtown planters and will be responsible for:

  • Painting their approved design directly onto the planter surface
  • Providing all necessary painting supplies and materials
  • Completing artwork within the designated project timeline

Planter sizes may vary, but typical dimensions include:

  • Planter Type A: 27″ height × 46″ width × 13″ depth
  • Planter Type B: 36″ height × 30″ width × 13″ depth

DEP will coordinate planter locations and assignments.

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.

Artists are encouraged to consider:

  • Visibility from multiple angles
  • Pedestrian interaction
  • Bold, colorful, and engaging compositions

Designs may NOT include:

  • Copyrighted or licensed materialain visual integrity when wrapped across dimensional surfaces.
  • Business or sponsor promotion
  • Political content
  • Explicit or offensive imagery

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 a $100 stipend per planter painted.

Artists may be selected to paint multiple planters at DEP’s discretion.

Payment will be issued upon completion of the artwork and approval by DEP.

Artists retain ownership of their original design. DEP reserves the right to photograph and reproduce images of the artwork for promotional purposes.

Submission Requirements

Artists must submit:

  • Artist name and contact information
  • Brief artist statement (optional, recommended)
  • Portfolio of relevant work (PDF or link)
  • A mockup or sketch of the proposed design

Submission Format

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

  • PDF
  • PNG
  • JPEG

Submission must be sent electronically to:
exec@visitesprings.com
Subject Line: Streetscape Planter Art Submission – [Artist Name]
Submission Deadline: Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 11:59 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, April 24, 2026
Submission Deadline: Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Selection Notification: Friday, May 29, 2026
Painting Period: Friday, May 30 – Friday, June 12, 2026
Painting Completion Date: Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Community Engagement & Promotion

Selected artwork will be:

  • Featured on the Visit Excelsior public art page
  • Promoted through DEP social media and marketing channels
  • Accompanied by artist name, brief biography, and direct links to artist websites or social profiles

This program is intended to support artist visibility and connect the community with local and regional creatives.

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