Murals & More, The New Bohemia Czech Village SSMID, and NewBo City Market are seeking artists to submit their portfolio to be considered as a finalist for the design and installation of a painted mural on the interior of the NewBo City Market building at 1100 3rd St. SE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
We are looking for an artist to create a vibrant and colorful mural that honors both the history of this community and its evolution. The mural should create an inviting atmosphere and inspire the viewer to want to learn more. Our ideal artist is collaborative and open to working with the selection committee on design elements.
Download the Call for Artists Project Overview (PDF), which includes the same information available on this page.
Project process and timeline
November 2, 2026
Call for artist portfolios closes.
Interested artists may complete the Call for Artists entry on this page by November 2, 2026. The form requests artists provide previous work examples in the form of a portfolio document or a link to an online portfolio and a short artist statement. Please note, the portfolio entry is not a request for a new design proposal specific to this project, but rather a compilation of past work.
November 9, 2026
Finalist candidates selected.
The selection committee will review all entries and select finalist candidates by November 9, 2026. All applicants will be notified.
November 23, 2026
Finalist candidate submissions due.
Finalist candidates will be paid $250 for the creation of a design proposal, submitted by November 23, 2026.
Early December, 2026
Final submission selected.
All finalist candidates will be notified if their design proposal is selected in early December. The selected artist will enter into an agreement with Murals & More to execute the project.
December 2026/January 2027
Installation has begun (preferred)
The selected artist will begin working on the installation in December 2026/January 2027. This timeline is preferred, not required.
January/February 2027
Project completion (preferred)
The selected artist will be encouraged to have completed the project by January/February 2027. This timeline is preferred, not required.
About NewBo City Market
NewBo City Market is a dynamic public space promoting health, happiness, and well-being in the heart of the New Bohemia District near downtown Cedar Rapids. As a gathering place, business incubator, and event center, NewBo City Market services many different needs for a wide spectrum of people and organizations.
This remarkable nonprofit organization is home to unique food and retail business start-ups; farmers and artisans markets; and numerous community arts, entertainment, and educational events. More than anything, NewBo City Market is a living example of sustainability and resilience.
Selected artist stipend
The selected artist will enter into an agreement with Murals & More for the installation of the project with a stipend of up to $25,000. This stipend is to cover all artist fees and costs associated with the installation of the project, including travel, lodging, materials, rentals, etc. The artist will be paid an initial deposit when work begins and will receive the remaining payment upon completion of the project.
Our organizations will work with the artist to attempt to help minimize costs through local partnerships when possible. For example, paint will be provided by Klinger Paint and the Czech Village New Bohemia SSMID will provide access to a lift.
Installation site overview
- The dimensions of the wall are approximately 57 feet (length) by 32 feet (height), equal to a total area of approximately 1,824 square feet. Please note, these are not exact dimensions.
- The wall features two speakers, two glass garage walls, and is in front of a stage for community events. The planned art should take these permanent features into account.
- Artists are welcome to make use of negative space on the wall. The artist is required to use material that will ensure longevity of the mural.
- The surface is interior drywall in excellent condition and has been recently primed.
Additional considerations
- A call for artists entry may be a solo artist or group of artists working as a single entity.
- Candidates from a diverse array of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
- The design must be suitable for all ages.
About Czech Village New Bohemia SSMID
Established in 2016, the Czech Village New Bohemia Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (CVNB SSMID) is a designated area in Czech Village and New Bohemia where commercial property owners collectively invest in the enhancement and revitalization of the district by agreeing to additional property tax. The funds are dedicated exclusively to projects and services that benefit the district.
About Murals & More
Murals & More, The Cedar Rapids Mural Trail, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to utilizing local architecture as the backdrop for public art in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We connect artists with space for them to create and inspire. Above all, art for all. We believe in the power of art that is accessible to all, fostering a sense of belonging and opportunity for thought, contributing to our community’s identity and sense of place, and enriching cultural vibrancy as a reflection of the multifaceted people who live here.
Artist Portfolio Submission Form
Thanks for your interest in this project! We are excited to review your portfolio to consider you as a finalist for this project. Please submit at least either one or both types of portfolio to showcase your previous work:
- online portfolio (personal website or social media, etc.), and/or
- digital portfolio file(s).
Please keep in mind, we are not asking for new original artwork at this stage of the selection process.