City of Boca Raton Issues a 'Call to Artists' for First Ever Public Mural Project

The City of Boca Raton’s newly established Art in Public Places (AIPP) Advisory Board has created its first public art program and is accepting applications for a mural project near the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. 

A 6-foot high maintenance wall at the west entrance of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, at 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, will be the site of the city's first public mural. (Lulu Ramadan/Palm Beach Post)

Established in January 2018, Boca Raton's Art in Public Places Advisory Board was created to enrich and enhance the City’s public environment and landscapes through creative collaborations with local artists. The goal is to provide a cultural experience for residents and visitors. The seven-member Board is made up of residents in the Boca Raton community who have knowledge or interest in public arts. 

Irvin Lippman, Executive Director of the Boca Raton Museum of Art who serves as the Chairman of the AIPP Board, is encouraged by the community’s interest in this new initiative. “Our goal as the newly formed Art in Public Places Board is to promote the inclusion of art into the civic landscape all while incorporating culture and education with the purpose of bringing people together.” The first project by AIPP is the Red Reef Park West Wall Mural located at the entrance of the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center boardwalk. “As the liaison for the Art in Public Places Board, it is my privilege to oversee the first public mural installation within the City of Boca Raton,” commented Ruby Childers, Downtown Manager for the City. “This visual arts initiative not only beautifies our City but showcases artistic talent from our community and beyond. I invite all qualified artists to participate by answering our Call to Artists.” 

The City is currently accepting applications from artists skilled in visual arts (murals). The preferred artist(s) will have an extensive background in street art with proven results in public spaces and civic and community engagement to create innovative temporary public art. Amounts to cover artists’ expenses, including paint, supplies, site preparation, installation and clean-up may be granted subject to authorization by the Board and in accordance with any Project rules established by the Board. Deadline to apply is Friday, August 31, 2018 at 5:00pm EST. For more information on what proposed art should include, to apply or additional information on the project, visit the Arts in Public Places Advisory Board webpage at www.myBoca.us/AIPP.