6 Strategies to Secure Large-scale Projects for Mural Artists
Securing high-visibility walls or large-scale projects is crucial for muralists looking to establish themselves in the public art scene. It takes a combination of networking, marketing, and community engagement to land these projects. Here’s a guide to help muralists secure such opportunities:
1. Engage with Public Art Programs
Many cities have public art initiatives where local governments and organizations fund mural projects to enhance public spaces. For example, programs like Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program or Portland’s Public Art Mural Program are designed to beautify communities while showcasing local talent.
Muralists can apply through such programs by presenting their portfolio and demonstrating their ability to create work that resonates with the community. In 2020 alone, public art programs in the U.S. funded hundreds of murals, providing high-visibility opportunities for artists to showcase their work.
2. Build Relationships with Local Businesses
Many businesses, especially in urban areas, are willing to have murals as part of their branding. Reaching out to local cafes, restaurants, or retail stores can open doors to commission projects on walls that are seen by hundreds of people daily. Murals act as both art and advertisement, enhancing a business’s aesthetic appeal while giving the artist valuable exposure.
3. Use Social Media to Promote Work
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are invaluable for showcasing your mural work and gaining visibility. By posting process videos or finished pieces and using geo-tagging, muralists can attract attention from local followers and potential clients.
Some muralists even land projects by tagging businesses whose walls they’d like to paint, showing mock-ups of potential designs.
4. Participate in Street Art Festivals
Festivals dedicated to street art and murals, such as POW! WOW! in Hawaii or the Upfest in Bristol, UK, offer excellent exposure. These events not only bring together artists from around the world but also attract large crowds and media attention.
By participating, muralists can create work that reaches a wide audience while building connections with other artists and potential clients.
5. Collaborate with Community Groups
Collaborating with local community groups is another effective way to secure walls for murals. Many organizations want to engage the public through art that tells a story or reflects the community’s cultural heritage.
Muralists who are passionate about social issues can often find opportunities to create public murals by partnering with these groups, demonstrating that their work adds cultural and societal value.
Know our tips on how find collaborative opportunities here.
6. Submit Proposals for Corporate and Government Contracts
Corporations and governments often commission large-scale murals to enhance their buildings and public spaces. For example, many city governments include public art requirements for new developments, creating opportunities for muralists. Submitting professional proposals to such bodies can help muralists land projects that are highly visible and well-funded.
Securing high-visibility mural projects requires more than just artistic talent—it also requires strategic networking, community engagement, and a proactive approach to finding opportunities. By engaging with public art programs, collaborating with businesses and communities, and utilizing social media effectively, muralists can greatly increase their chances of landing projects that provide both exposure and artistic fulfillment.