Downtown Port Huron Art Mural Project

2025 PROPOSED SITES (Site will be chosen by our committee)
SITE 1: Width 33' max / Height 20' max
SITE 2: Width 61' max / Height 20' max

Terms of Participation

1. Project Overview

The City of Port Huron Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is launching a public art mural initiative to enhance the vibrancy and cultural appeal of our downtown. This project is made possible through grant funding from the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County (EDA), which supports community-driven efforts to promote economic growth through placemaking and creative development.

Selected artists will have the opportunity to create impactful, original public murals that reflect the spirit and identity of Port Huron while contributing to the beautification and revitalization of our urban core.

Thank you to Kurt Eppley / Alpine Cycles for the use of this wall for the 2025 Art Mural Project!

2. Eligibility

  • Open to individual artists or artist teams aged 18 or older.
  • Artists must be residents of Michigan or have strong ties to the Port Huron community.
  • Experience in mural work is preferred but not required.
  • Artists must be available to complete the mural within the designated timeline.

3. Submission Requirements

Once the application is submitted an appointment with staff will be made for initial review of imagery. To be considered, artists must complete the online submission form and include:

  • Full name and contact information
  • Artist biography and/or résumé
  • List of materials to be used
  • Color scale rendering of proposed mural design
  • 3–5 examples of previous artwork (uploaded images or portfolio link)
  • Proposed mural concept (visual or written description)
  • Artist statement explaining the inspiration behind the concept
  • Preferred mural size or wall location (if applicable)
  • Maintenance Plan (including parties responsible for maintenance)
  • Project timeline
  • A typed digital signature acknowledging acceptance of these terms

**Submission deadline:** September 5, 2025


4. Design Guidelines

  • Designs must be original and appropriate for public display.
  • The artist name(s) may be incorporated but should be discreet.
  • Paint utilized should be of superior quality and intended for exterior use.
  • The mural should have a weatherproof and vandalism-resistant coating.
  • Mechanically-produced or computer-generated prints or images, including but not limited to digitally printed vinyl are prohibited.
  • Murals shall not contain electrical or mechanical components; changing image murals; commercial signage. Murals shall be created with paint.
  • The scale of the mural should be appropriate to the site.
  • Content should reflect creativity, community spirit, Port Huron’s identity, or cultural themes.
  • No political, religious, or offensive imagery will be accepted.
  • Artwork must fit the designated space without damaging property or obstructing utilities.

The DDA reserves the right to approve final designs in consultation with city officials.


5. Selection Process

Artists will be selected by the DDA Committee. Selection criteria include:

  • Artistic quality
  • Relevance to downtown Port Huron
  • Feasibility of completion
  • Diversity of style and representation

Artists will be notified via email regarding acceptance.


6. Timeline

  • August 15, 2025: Request for Artist Proposal Issued
  • September 5, 2025: Request for Artist Proposal Due at 4:30 PM
  • September 12, 2025: Select Artist Meetings with Selection Committee
  • September 16, 2025: Selected Artists and Artwork will be presented to the DDA Board for approval
  • October 10, 2025: Mural completion deadline

Exact mural start dates will be coordinated individually with each selected artist.


7. Stipend & Materials

  • The selected artist will be paid a stipend to cover both labor and materials.
  • Total artist payment up to $12,000.
  • The DDA may provide assistance with wall preparation or access equipment if needed.


8. Artist Responsibilities

  • Submit and complete mural work on time.
  • Maintain communication with DDA staff throughout the project.
  • Ensure all work is safe, weather-resistant, and durable for at least 5 years.
  • Respect the building owner’s property and any city ordinances.
  • Maintain the work site in a clean and safe condition during painting.


9. Mural Location

  • The mural will be installed on the North facing wall of Alpine Cycles (726 Huron Ave.) in downtown Port Huron. There are two proposed sites on the building, of which the committee will chose one for the project.


10. Ownership & Usage Rights

  • The mural will become part of the public landscape and may not be removed without city and property owner approval.
  • The City of Port Huron and the DDA retain the right to photograph, document, and use images of the completed murals for promotional, educational, or archival purposes, with credit to the artist.
  • The artist retains the right to be identified as the creator of the work.


11. Agreement

By submitting your application and typing your full name in the digital signature field of the submission form, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read and understood the Terms of Participation.
  • All submitted materials are truthful and original.
  • You agree to comply with the guidelines and responsibilities outlined above.


Please note that final stipend will be based on size of wall selected for each mural; the above estimates are given to give artist a rough idea of our project budget but are subject to change based on interest and size of walls submitted by property owners. Compensation will be provided to selected artists for time, supplies, and services rendered.

APPLY NOW

Thank you for your interest in contributing to the cultural landscape of Downtown Port Huron!