The City of Altoona, ArtsAltoona, Altoona Mirror, Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD) are partnering to invite artists of all experience levels to participate in a unique public art project in the heart of Downtown Altoona.

As part of an effort to beautify the former Gables Building along 11th Avenue, we are seeking artists to transform a series of boarded window spaces into vibrant, mural-style artworks. Artist applications are open now and the project will kick off in June.

Project Overview

• Approximately 20 boarded window spaces available.  

• Each artist will be assigned one window panel 

• Panels range in size from approximately 88–100” wide and 85–135” high 

• Murals will be temporary, and the timeline they will be displayed will be dependent on the timeline for the redevelopment of the Gable’s Building.

This project is intended to be highly visible and community-driven.

Who Should Apply

We welcome:

• Emerging and established artists 

• Painters, muralists, illustrators, and mixed-media artists 

Mural experience is not required, though applicants are encouraged to share any relevant work if available as priority may be given to artists with mural experience.

Artist Stipend & Opportunities

• $150 stipend per selected artist to assist with materials 

• Opportunity for additional cash prizes: 

  • $1,000 Juried Award 

  • $1,000 People’s Choice Award (voted through AltoonaMirror.com)

• Media coverage through local press, including the Altoona Mirror 

• Exposure to thousands of visitors during major summer events 

• Participation in a highly visible downtown installation 

Interested in applying to be a selected artist? Read all of the project details below first.

Timeline

• Call for Artists Opens: May 22 

• Submission Deadline: June 3 

• Artist Selections Announced: June 5 

Painting Window:

• Selected artists may submit a rough concept sketch and begin work immediately upon sketch approval

• Strongly encouraged to complete by July 3 to coincide with major downtown events for greatest exposure for artists

  • July 4 race with ~2,500 runner/visitors to Downtown

  • Big Boy Locomotive expected to draw 10,000+ visitors to Downtown on July 8

• Must be completed by July 31 as social voting contest will begin in early August and murals will be featured as part of a Downtown Altoona Art Walk Event being planned for mid-August.

Live Paint Day (Optional):
We are planning a collaborative “live painting” event on a date to be determined when artists will be encouraged to participate for a fun, community-focused experience with music, food, and public engagement.  Stay tuned for more details. This live paint day will be for the selected artists, but the public is invited to stop by and check it out!

Design Guidelines

Artists are encouraged to bring their own creative vision to their space. There is no required theme, and we welcome all artistic styles.

However, designs must:

• Be appropriate for all ages 

• Not include political messaging, nudity, vulgarity, or controversial content 

• Contribute positively to the downtown environment – no negative themes, please

Materials & Installation

• Plywood panels are already installed and primed in a beige color

• Recommended materials: exterior latex paint (mid- to high-quality) or artist-grade acrylics

• Professional-grade spray paint may be permitted with proper precautions 

• Limited shared supplies (such as brushes or white base paint) may be available based on artist interest

• Due to the semi-protected location, sealing is not required unless necessary with your preferred medium

Additional Notes

• Artists will be assigned specific panels and provided exact dimensions in advance 

• While the initial application will only ask for a short narrative of your concept, selected artists may be asked to share a sketch of their intended design direction 

• The City reserves the right to curate placement to ensure a cohesive overall presentation 

Ownership & Rights

We are committed to respecting artists’ creative ownership while also ensuring the work can continue to benefit the community beyond this initial installation.

• The physical mural panels created as part of this project will become the property of the City of Altoona. If feasible, the City may choose to preserve and relocate select panels for future public display if they can be safely removed without damage when redevelopment of the Gables Building occurs. 

• If the City does not identify a future use for specific panels, there may be an opportunity for artists to have their work returned to them. 

• Artists will retain full copyright of their original artwork, including the right to reproduce, sell, and display images of their work in portfolios, on social media, and in other professional contexts. 

• By participating in this project, artists grant permission to the City of Altoona, ArtsAltoona, the Altoona Mirror, and ABCD to photograph and share images of the artwork for promotional, marketing, and public relations purposes related to the project and downtown initiatives.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• 3–5 example photos of your work (murals if available, but not required) 

• A brief artist statement or introduction 

• A brief narrative of your concept idea or overview of artistic style

• Notes on preferred materials or approach 

Submit by: Wednesday, June 3

We hope you’ll join us in creating a vibrant, arts-centered experience in Downtown Altoona as we plan for an exciting season of events!