Downtown Altoona Mural Project Update

The City of Altoona, with the support of ArtsAltoona, the Altoona Mirror, and Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD), would like to thank everyone who submitted applications for the Downtown Altoona Mural Project.

Artist applications officially closed on June 3, and we were thrilled by the level of interest from artists of all experience levels. Applications are currently being reviewed by a selection committee, and applicants can expect to receive notification of their status no later than Monday, June 8.

About the Project

As part of an effort to beautify the former Gables Building along 11th Avenue, approximately 20 artists will be selected to transform boarded window spaces into vibrant, mural-style artworks that celebrate creativity and bring new energy to Downtown Altoona.

Each selected artist will be assigned a single window panel measuring approximately 88–100 inches wide and 85–135 inches high. The murals will be temporary installations, remaining on display until future redevelopment of the Gables Building requires their removal.

The project is designed to be highly visible, community-driven, and accessible to both emerging and established artists.

Artist Opportunities

Selected artists will receive:

• A $150 stipend to assist with materials

• Eligibility for two $1,000 awards:

  • Juried Award

  • People's Choice Award (public voting through AltoonaMirror.com)

• Media exposure through local press and project promotion

• The opportunity to have their work viewed by thousands of residents and visitors throughout the summer and further

Major Downtown events expected to bring significant foot traffic to the area include:

• The July 4 festivities and race, which typically attracts approximately 2,500 participants and visitors

• The arrival of the Big Boy locomotive on July 8, expected to draw more than 10,000 visitors to Downtown Altoona

• Additional summer events and a planned Downtown Altoona Art Walk

Project Timeline

• Artist Applications Closed: June 3

• Artist Notifications: By June 8

• Painting Period Begins: Following artist selection and concept approval

• Strongly Encouraged Completion Date: July 3

• Final Completion Deadline: July 31

• People's Choice Voting & Art Walk Activities: August

An optional community Live Paint Day is also being planned during Levity Summerfest on June 13, providing artists with an opportunity to create work in a public setting while engaging with visitors and fellow artists.

Design Guidelines

Artists have been encouraged to bring their own creative vision to the project. There is no required theme, and a wide variety of artistic styles are welcome.

All artwork must:

• Be appropriate for audiences of all ages

• Avoid political messaging, nudity, vulgarity, or controversial content

• Contribute positively to the Downtown environment

Ownership & Rights

The City of Altoona will retain ownership of the physical mural panels. If future redevelopment allows, select panels may be preserved and relocated for continued public display.

Artists will retain full copyright to their original artwork and may continue to reproduce, display, and promote images of their work for professional purposes.

Participating artists grant permission to the City of Altoona, ArtsAltoona, the Altoona Mirror, and ABCD to photograph and share images of the artwork for project promotion, marketing, and public relations purposes.

We appreciate the community's enthusiasm and support for this project and look forward to sharing the selected artists and their work in the coming days.