Murals & More, in partnership with Cedar Rapids’ MedQuarter Regional Medical District (MedQ), is seeking artists to submit their portfolio to be considered as a finalist for the design and installation of a painted mural on the northeast facade of the building at 830 1st Avenue NE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The building is owned by UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital, a member of the MedQ.
Download the Call for Artists Project Overview (PDF), which includes the same information available on this page.
Additional photos are available at: https://crmurals.org/medq2025/photos/.
Project process and timeline
May 31, 2025
Call for artist portfolios closes.
Interested artists may complete the Call for Artists entry on this page by May 31, 2025. 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.
June 5, 2025
Finalist candidates selected.
The selection committee will review all entries and select finalist candidates by June 5, 2025. All applicants will be notified.
June 20, 2025
Finalist candidate submissions due.
Finalist candidates will be paid $250 for the creation of a design proposal, submitted by June 20, 2025.
June 26, 2025
Final submission selected.
All finalist candidates will be notified if their design proposal is selected by June 26, 2025. The selected artist will be awarded the project and enter into an agreement with Murals & More for the completion of the project.
November 1, 2025
Final project completion deadline.
November 1, 2025, is the final project deadline to have the installation complete.
Project direction and inspiration
This highly visible project along 1st Avenue in Cedar Rapids is being planned to support MedQ’s newly developed vision statement (see below) and generally support the district’s focus to foster a healing environment, with strong connectedness to those who visit, work, and live in the MedQ.
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 $23,650. This stipend is to cover all artist fees and costs associated with the installation of the project, including travel, lodging, paint, materials, rentals, etc. Murals & More will work with the artist to attempt to help minimize costs through local partnerships when possible.
Installation site overview
- The dimensions of the wall are approximately 107.5 feet (length) 22 feet (height), equal to a total area of approximately 2,365 square feet.
- The installation should include paint coverage applied to all or the majority of the wall. The artist is required to use material that will ensure longevity of the mural.
- The surface is painted block in excellent condition, recently tuckpointed and painted.
- Overhead lights are installed at the site.
- The ground immediately adjacent to the wall is a newly paved flat surface, suitable for a lift, ladders, or scaffolding.
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 installation must be distinctive through the use of original design that is suitable for all ages.
About MedQuarter Regional Medical District
The Cedar Rapids MedQuarter (MedQ) is a revitalization partnership committed to promoting a dynamic urban medical community to improve the quality of life, advocate for new business and jobs in the Medical District. The MedQuarter is where many healthcare needs are met in one area of downtown. The MedQuarter creates a vibrant neighborhood, and acts as a catalyst for business growth.
The MedQ is a self-supported municipal improvement district (SSMID) and it is governed by a commission that is appointed by the mayor and City Council to establish funding for ongoing District improvements.
MedQ vision statement
As the MedQ progresses in the near future and continues to evolve over time, the district will be nationally recognized as a vibrant, holistic healing hub, seamlessly integrating high-tech, progressive healthcare with the everyday life of Cedar Rapids and the broader region. It will be a dynamic district, known for its eclectic mix of high-quality health services, diverse businesses, and community-oriented spaces. The MedQ will emphasize safety, cleanliness, and high-quality, low-cost healthcare, making it an inviting destination for residents and visitors alike. Its identity will be further strengthened by its commitment to workforce well-being, community engagement, and sustainable development, making it an ideal place to live, work, heal, and thrive. The MedQ will not only embody cutting-edge healthcare but also lead in creating a collaborative, inclusive, and green urban environment. More information about MedQ can be found at https://themedq.com.
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.