Call for Artists: Strong Alley Mural Program
Dogwood Arts invites artists to apply for participation in the Strong Alley Mural Program, located in Downtown Knoxville between Gay Street and Market Square. This initiative supports the continued creative development of Strong Alley by connecting artists with resources and opportunities to create new murals or restore existing works.
Application Timeline
Mural installations are typically scheduled 4–6 months in advance. Artists who submit an application at this time will be considered for projects scheduled between February and June 2026. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with funding awarded as space becomes available.
Artist Support: Selected artists will receive a stipend ranging from $500–$1,000, based on the final size of the mural (most works in Strong Alley range between 8’x8’ and 10’x20’). Funding may be used to cover supplies, equipment rentals, installation materials, and other costs directly related to the creation of the mural.
Application Requirements: Applicants must complete the online form and submit 3–5 samples of completed artwork that reflect their artistic style and ability to execute a large-scale mural. Submissions may include past collaborative work, but collaborators should be acknowledged in the artist statement. Please do not submit sketches, renderings, or proposals for new murals at this stage.
If selected, artists will be invited to submit a design proposal (sketch, rendering, or digital mock-up) for final review prior to production.
Content Guidelines: Artists are encouraged to submit work that aligns with the spirit of the program and the public nature of the space. Proposals containing the following will not be considered:
- Political or campaign-related messaging
- Explicit or violent imagery
- Lewd or suggestive content
- Corporate logos or copyrighted characters/images
