Tourism and Culture Department – Cultural Affairs – Art in Public Places

Total Project Budget: $170,000

Call to Artists – CTA-2026-002

Project Name: 17th Street Parking Garage (G5) Permanent Mural Project 

Project Location: 

640 17 Street

Miami Beach, FL 33139

Submission deadline: October 8, 2026, at 5pm EST

Brief description: The City of Miami Beach Art in Public Places (AiPP) Program invites artists to submit qualifications for the creation of a permanent mural on the 17th Street Parking Garage (G5). This project is part of the Elevate Miami Beach Mural Program and reflects City Commission directives to enhance the City Center district through creative placemaking and large-scale public art.

The 17th Street Parking Garage (G5), located at 17th Street and Convention Center Drive, serves as the main municipal parking facility for the City Center district. A temporary wrap remains in place until the end of December 2026. 

The intent of this mural is to thoughtfully engage with the character, activity, and cultural vibrancy of the City Center district. Artists are encouraged to consider the surrounding urban environment—one defined by access to the ocean as well as world-class cultural institutions and public amenities within easy walking distance, including The Bass Museum of Art, New World Symphony, The Fillmore Miami Beach, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, and the Lincoln Road shopping and dining district, and the Miami Beach Convention Center. While no specific narrative or subject matter is prescribed, the mural should respond to the unique sense of place created by these civic and cultural landmarks and contribute to an inviting, cohesive, and uplifting visual experience for residents and visitors.

Given the scale and significance of this commission, the City seeks artists with a demonstrated fine-art background and professional experience in large-scale painting, contemporary mural practice, or related visual arts fields. The selected artist will bring forward a concept that complements the architectural setting and enhances the public realm through thoughtful, high-quality artistic intervention.

This permanent mural will be the third installation under the Elevate Miami Beach Mural Program, joining Jen Stark’s Sundial Spectrum, and Michelle Weinberg’s Flying Colors (unveiling late 2026). The building features 52,500 sq. ft. of exterior façade and holds 1,490 parking spaces.

A total of $170,000 has been allocated from the Elevate Miami Beach Mural Program for the design, and installation of the mural. This budget must cover all artist fees, materials, insurance, equipment, installation, travel, and contingency costs.

Semi-Finalist Honorarium

Two semi-finalists will be selected to develop full proposals. Each will receive a $1,200 honorarium for preparing a site-specific concept and presentation.

Application Process: 

The open call competition process is managed by the City of Miami Beach Tourism & Culture Department.

Eligibility

This Call to Artists is open to professional visual artists with experience executing large-scale public art or murals. Artists must be able to design and install exterior-grade permanent works suitable for high-visibility urban environments.

Application Requirements

Applicants must upload a complete application including:

· Artist statement

· Resume or CV

· Portfolio with up to 10 images of past work

· Letter of interest describing relevant experience

· Optional: Up to 3 videos documenting past projects

Selection Process

The AiPP Committee will review all submissions and select two semi-finalists. After presentations and review, the Committee will choose one finalist. The selected mural proposal will then require approval from the Design Review Board and City Commission.

Estimated Project Schedule

· September 4–October 8, 2026: Call to Artists opens

· October 20, 2026: AiPP selection of two semi-finalists

· November 17, 2026: AiPP selection of final artist

· December 15, 2026: Design Review Board approval

· January 2027: Removal of temporary wrap and surface preparation

· February 2027: City Commission approval

· February–March 2027: Mural installation

Selection Criteria: 

The Art in Public Places Committee shall consider the following issues:

· Quality of the artist’s proposal;

· Aesthetic merit, quality, enduring value; and 

· Experience and other qualifications of the artist.

Other Selection Issues:

· Florida “Sunshine Law:” All meetings of the Art in Public Places Committee are open to the public, are publicly advertised and are documented through written minutes. 

· Conflict of Interests: Artists with immediate family or business partners on the selection committee are not eligible. 

· Art in Public Places Committee Contacts: Artist applicants should not have contact with Art in Public Places Committee members between this limited entry competition and the completion of the selection process. 

· Contact the City of Miami Beach for all questions and information.

For additional information contact:

City of Miami Beach – Tourism and Culture Department

Cultural Affairs Division

Danielle Bender

Cultural Affairs Manager

305-673-7577 Ext. 26256

daniellebender@miamibeachfl.gov 

Oscar Rieveling Sanchez

Art in Public Places Coordinator

305-673-7577 Ext. 22711

oscarrievelingsanchez@miamibeachfl.gov

About the City of Miami Beach Art in Public Places Program

Art in Public Places is a city board responsible for the commission and purchase of artwork by contemporary artists in all media. The program is funded from 2% of hard costs for city projects and joint private/public projects. Funds from construction projects may be aggregated into the Art in Public Places Fund and allocated for artwork at public sites and for collection maintenance. The fund is administered by a City Commission-appointed citizen’s board of seven members, the Art in Public Places Committee.