Program Overview

The Creative Neighborhoods Mural Program is a Boulder-based community-initiated project where members of the community choose a local artist to create a mural in their residential neighborhood that celebrates the community and nearby areas.

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Eligibility

To be eligible for this program, the location for the mural project must be within Boulder city limits. Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) staff will work with the chosen applicant to select an artist or artist team from the city’s mural roster to implement this project. To promote community cohesion, chosen applicants must connect with their neighbors to share the concept and location of the mural. Please note that funding will be provided to the selected artist, not the community member who fills out an application for a mural in their neighborhood.

Projects are selected on a first-come-first-served basis within 10 subcommunities. Special consideration will go to neighborhoods that have not participated in similar programs in the past, with a focus on lower income neighborhoods, including permanently affordable designated communities and mobile home parks.

Map showing the following subcommunities: Gunbarrel, North Boulder, Palo Park, Central Boulder, East Boulder, Crossroads, University, University Hill, Southeast Boulder, South Boulder

Eligible applicants include neighborhood-based groups, neighborhood associations, individuals residing in neighborhood, place-based nonprofits.

Ineligible applicants include for-profit businesses, commercial or business districts, business associations.

Because all mural projects in Boulder are exposed to physical stresses, inclement weather, and are subject to vandalism, another criterion is whether the project will be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials.

Program Goals:

  • Add a beautiful, inspiring work of art that provides a welcoming, inclusive and family-friendly message for the betterment of the community.
  • Increase opportunities for neighbors to meet and get to know each other.
  • Provide community-building experiences to under-resourced neighborhoods.
  • Rebuild community resilience, healing, and joy through personal connections: factors which address the challenges in the wake of COVID-19.
  • Employ local artists for creative recovery after the pandemic.
  • Foster opportunities for the community to collaborate with a local artist.

Timeline:

  • Applications will open for 2025 later this year.

Office of Arts + Culture Provides:

  • Mural Artist Roster
  • Project management of overall program and individual projects
  • Financial support (up to $7,500/project paid to the mural artist)
  • Permitting approval and support
  • Publicity and promotion of the project

Property Owner Provides:

  • Some material costs (if feasible for property owner)
  • Property/site that is publicly accessible
  • Wall preparation (cleaning, repairing, priming, etc.)
  • Upkeep of mural/site for minimum of 5 years

Budget

Funding up to $7,500 per project is paid directly to the artist. Funds paid to the artist are inclusive of the artist’s concept design work, materials, equipment, and any other items required for project installation. The property owner is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the mural. Maintenance funds are not guaranteed by the city.

Homeowner Responsibilities

Please read all required homeowner responsibilities for the Creative Neighborhoods Mural Program before submitting an application.

Note that homeowners will need to demonstrate support of the project from 75% your surrounding neighbors including adjacent properties, those across the street, and any other properties that would see the mural from their property.

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