The 2026 artist application is now open for Strong Towns Blono Sidewalk Wayfinding Mural Project sidewalk murals. The theme this year is Route 66! Share with artists that you know!
The design and installation of this temporary surface wayfinding signage is the first step in a larger effort to leverage the power of public art in service of public safety. This second annual pilot initiative seeks to evidence the practical application of a data-informed approach to wayfinding and traffic control in Bloomington to inspire support for installations of crosswalk murals as well as additional multipurpose public artworks in the city.
Applications Open: January 1, 2026
Deadline to Apply: January 31, 2026
Finalist Artists Notified: Mid-February 2026
Finalist Site-Specific Design Concepts Due: April 1, 2026
Chosen Artist Notification: Mid-April 2026
Installation: May 1, 2026 – June 13, 2026 (6 weeks)
WHERE: 13 sidewalk locations between the Bloomington Public Library and the McLean County Museum of History. More information on specifics is included in the application packet attached.
ARTIST COMPENSATION: Three finalist artists will be selected to draft site specific design concepts. These artists will be compensated $250 each for their design submissions.
The Public Art and Safety Committee will award the winning artist $5,000 for the final designs and to install the art.
THEME: The theme for this year is US Route 66 for the 100 year anniversary of our “Mother Road.”
MATERIALS/SUPPLIES: The winning artist will be granted up to an additional $1,000 for materials and supplies to complete the installation.
CONTACT:
Katherine McCarthy, Public Art and Safety Committee Chair mkmv1413@gmail.com
Hannah Johnson, Public Art and Safety Community Liaison hejohnson.art@gmail.com
