The city of Buckeye is inviting Arizona-based artists, groups, and organizations to submit their qualifications for a new public art project at the Verrado Way and Van Buren Street water well site.
The selected artist will be tasked with designing a two-dimensional mural for a western-facing wall measuring approximately 200 feet long and 8 feet high. The mural’s central theme is “desert storms/desert rain” and should feature bold colors and recognizable imagery that resonates with Buckeye residents of all ages.
Two finalists will be chosen to develop proposed designs, with each receiving a $1,000 stipend. The Community Services Advisory Board will select one of those designs to move forward. The chosen artist will then receive an additional $56,000 to complete the mural.
According to the city, applicants should have experience with large-scale murals and a portfolio that shows strong artistic ability and community engagement. The final design should reflect Buckeye’s values and visual identity.
Finalists for the Downtown Well mural will be expected to visit the site with the city’s Arts & Culture Manager, attend an informational meeting, meet with stakeholders, including neighboring property owners and city staff, engage with the community, and present their concept to the Arts & Culture Subcommittee of the Community Services Advisory Board.
Should the chosen artist be unable to complete the project, the alternate finalist may be invited to take their place. All submitted artwork must be original; AI-generated work is not permitted and may be screened using detection software. Artists must also sign a contract assigning display and marketing rights to the city, indemnify Buckeye against liability, and submit a W-9 for payment. If the work includes real people or text requiring a release, the artist is responsible for obtaining and submitting those documents.
Applications will be evaluated on artistic quality and creativity (40%), alignment with project goals (20%), experience and qualifications (20%), and community engagement ability (20%). The timeline includes a shortlist announcement and training in early September, draft designs due Oct. 4, design presentations on Oct. 6, final approval on Nov. 19, and mural completion between December 2025 and March 2026.
To apply, artists must email their submission—including five past work samples, a resume, and three short essays on artistic background, community connection, and thematic approach—to [email protected] by the Aug. 28 deadline. No design visual is required at the qualification stage. For more information, contact Ilana Lydia Holden at [email protected] or 602-342-4399.
For more information, you may visit the city's page here.
