Call to Artists - Underpass Mural Project

City of Waukee Public Arts Program
Call to Artists
Underpass Mural Project
Waukee, Iowa
Issue Date: October 2026
About this Opportunity
The City of Waukee is upgrading the pedestrian/bicycle underpass that sits adjacent to
its new Public Safety Facility along the Racoon River Valley Trail. We are issuing a call
to artists to paint a mural on the interior sides of the underpass. The dimensions of the
tunnel are 12'-0" X 10'-0" X 164'-0".
This facility is located at the pedestrian/bicycle underpass near the intersection of NW
20th Street and Douglas Parkway in Waukee, Iowa. This underpass is located on the
Racoon River Valley Trail, a regional attraction that draws up to 400,000 trail
enthusiasts every year.
The City is seeking a piece of public art to enhance this underpass that should:
Be one cohesive piece;
Be the original work of the artist in concept, composition, and execution
Be suitable for public viewing
Create a sense of discovery, surprise, imagination, and emotional connection
Be aesthetically and photographically pleasing
Have a theme of wild flowers/nature or impart an overall message of welcome
(it is near the current boundary of the City of Waukee on the Racoon River
Valley Trail)
Artist is responsible for power washing, priming, and any other steps
necessary to prepare the underpass walls
Artist must use only spray, acrylic based, and/or exterior paint
Mural submissions are considered temporary artwork, with an anticipated
lifespan of up to five years.
Project Budget
The preliminary maximum budget for this project is up to $10,000. The budget will
include all costs associated with the project including, but not limited to artist's design
fees, travel, materials, wall power washing, priming, and other site preparation,
fabrication costs, documentation, transportation and installation, subcontractor work,
maintenance, and honorariums.
Selection and Project Criteria
This is an open call for artists who meet the eligibility requirements. Artist's submission
materials will be reviewed by the Waukee Public Art Advisory Commission. If
necessary, interviews may be conducted with selected artists or artist teams.

Upon selection of an artist or artist team, whether based solely upon submission
materials or upon interviews, one artist/artist team will be commissioned to develop,
design and paint a mural.
A selection committee will evaluate the artist's proposals and narrow the proposals
down to three finalists. Each finalist will receive a stipend of $500 to further refine their
proposal before a final interview to determine the selected artist.
The selection committee will be composed of the seven members of the Waukee Public
Art Advisory Commission.
Selection of finalists will be based on the following:
* 1-4 color sketches or design concepts for work of art for the space
* Quality of letter of interest
* Quality of work samples
* Demonstration of project understanding and ability to meet project schedule
* Consideration of project criteria in conceptual design proposal
* The artist's concept, final proposal, and ultimately the final artwork will need to
meet certain criteria.
Artwork should:
* Be colorful and eye-catching; high-impact and engaging
* Be low maintenance and durable
* Be aesthetically and photographically pleasing
* Be appealing both day and night and during all seasons
Eligibility
Artist or artist team:
* Must have completed 2 commissioned indoor or outdoor public works of art of at
least $10,000 in value.
* Must show an understanding of the unique character of the City of Waukee; (no
travel costs will be covered for any preselection site visits).
* Must be able to participate in a virtual interview, if needed.
The City of Waukee reserves the right to reject any or all proposals
Timeline
Application Deadline: November 2, 2026
Finalists Announced: November 20, 2026
Presentations: December, 2026
Project Completion Deadline: Summer, 2027

Required Submission Materials
In digital format only.
Provide the following in a single PDF document (work sample JPEGs can be sent as
separate files):
Contact information for artist / artist team members
One-page letter describing interest in project and approach to design; please
include statements addressing eligibility criteria, community engagement, and
project criteria
One-page biographical information or resume for lead artist(s) (include one
paragraph for each team member if artist-led team)
Three references (contact information only) for recently completed projects of
similar scope
Work samples: include 3-5 work samples showing projects completed within the
last 5 years with up to 3 digital images of each project. Save all standard JPEG
images and label each with applicant's full name and number in sequence with
list of work samples
One-page document listing all work samples. Please provide a brief description
and budget for each
No more than 3 pages showing artist's initial concept for the "RRVT Underpass
Mural Project" that may include sketches, images, and text
Please submit all materials via email to Nick Osborne, Assistant City Administrator at
nosborne@waukee.org. Include "RRVT Underpass Mural Project" in the subject line. All
materials must be received by 4:30 p.m. CST on Monday, November 2, 2026
No submissions will be accepted after this time. Receipt of submission will be
acknowledged via email.
Questions regarding this Call for Artists can be directed to
Nick Osborne, Assistant City Administrator at
nosborne@waukee.org or 515-978-7902.

Images of Underpass Site

Underpass Location