Call for Mural Artists: Jersey City Mural Arts Program, 2025-2026

The Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs is pleased to announce an open call for mural artists to join the Jersey City Mural Arts Program (JCMAP) Artist Roster. This roster serves as the primary method for selecting artists for future public art projects that will enhance Jersey City's urban landscape and transform it into a dynamic outdoor gallery.

About the Jersey City Mural Arts Program

Launched in 2013 as a Mayor’s Office Initiative and funded by a Clean Communities Grant, JCMAP connects local, national, and international mural artists with property owners across Jersey City. The program serves as a powerful tool for urban beautification, graffiti reduction, and providing opportunities for community engagement. Through vibrant, large-scale murals, JCMAP has transformed the city’s streets, building facades, and public spaces, creating an open-air gallery that celebrates cultural diversity and fosters civic pride. See more information on our website.

About the Opportunity
The Jersey City Mural Arts Program (JCMAP) Artist Roster will serve as the selection pool for mural projects across the city in 2025 and 2026. These commissions aim to highlight innovative, community-focused artwork that celebrates Jersey City’s diverse culture, rich history, and dynamic urban landscape. The roster will remain active for two years, after which a new artist call will be issued. Inclusion in the JCMAP Mural Artist Roster does not guarantee a commission.

Eligibility                                   

• Open to all mural artists, regardless of geographic location. Local creatives and BIPOC artists are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Artists must have experience in designing and executing murals or large-scale public artwork and the ability to engage with diverse communities, adapting designs based on input from local stakeholders.

Application Requirements*:

• Completed online application
• Portfolio: Up to 10 high-quality images of past mural or large-scale artwork
  • Submit .jpg or .png images no larger than 1200 x 1200 pixels.
  • Image List: Include a brief description of the artwork, year completed, size, budget and your role in the execution.
• Artist Statement: A statement describing your artistic approach, your connection to public art, and your interest in working with diverse communities (2500 character limit)
• Resume/CV: Detailing relevant artistic and public art experience. Not to exceed 2 pages.

• References: Two professional references familiar with your work on public murals. Include their name, title, organization, contact information, and your relationship to them.

*If applying as a team or duo, submit a single, combined set of materials that represents the entire group. Both artists will also need to complete the Artist Information section, which includes name, contact details, website, social media link, and references.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of arts professionals, community members, and city representatives. Artists selected for the roster will be considered for mural commissions over the next two years. While being added to the roster makes artists eligible for future projects, it does not ensure a commission.

Timeline

• Application Deadline: January 31^st, 2024, 5pm EST
• Notification of Roster Inclusion: February 28^th, 2025

How to Apply

Apply online here. For questions reach out to JCMAP@jcnj.org.

Join us in transforming Jersey City’s streets and public spaces through vibrant, community-driven mural art!