2222 Main Mural Project - Columbia, SC

Commonwealth Properties and One Columbia seek qualifications from professional artists or artist teams to design and paint a mural in Columbia's Cottontown neighborhood. One to three separate artists may be selected for this project. The mural will encompass approximately 985 square feet across eight designated art panels on the first-floor, Sumter Street-facing façade. The panels will be divided evenly among the chosen artists. The artwork should reflect the character and history of Cottontown, with themes such as nature, local history, and community interpreted through the artist's own creative approach.

The building was designed to complement the neighborhood through its Craftsman-inspired architectural character. The artwork should strengthen that connection and feel like an authentic contribution to the neighborhood. A portion of the mural is required to be painted during the Cottontown Art Crawl.

Project Details

Surface: Exterior first-floor façade with eight designated art panels

Size: Approximately 985 square feet total, divided into three sections across eight designated art panels

Location: 2200 Block of Sumter Street, Cottontown, Columbia, SC

The eight panels are separated by architectural features, windows, doors, and other building elements. The panels will be divided into three sections.

The site has a notable history as the former Jim Moore Cadillac dealership. The property was later vacant and in disrepair before being redeveloped. Artists may consider this history and the site's transformation if relevant to their concept, but the artwork is not required to directly reference the property's history.

The mural must be welcoming and engaging for residents, neighbors, and visitors; visible from Sumter Street and surrounding areas; and appropriate to the neighborhood's residential character. Durable materials suitable for exterior conditions are required.

 Artwork Goals

• Create a distinctive and welcoming visual feature in Cottontown
• Strengthen the connection between the building and surrounding neighborhood
• Celebrate community, nature, gardens, history, and place
• Complement the building's Craftsman-inspired architecture and streetscape
• Create artwork that is welcoming to a broad range of people
• Provide an opportunity for the public to experience the mural-making process during the Cottontown Art Crawl

*Artists may propose a community participation activity for Art Crawl attendees to engage with as part of the mural experience. Any proposed community participation activity should be included in the artist's final concept presentation only.

The property owner places particular value on community, quality, attention to detail, long-term care, and a well-integrated neighborhood environment. Artists may consider these ideas when developing their approach. Political, polarizing, or unsettling imagery should be avoided.

Budget

One to three artists may be selected for this opportunity. Each selected artist will receive $6,700 (if three are selected) inclusive of project costs for their assigned section, including design, artist labor, paint and materials, surface preparation, equipment and supplies, transportation, insurance, and mural installation/painting.

Timeline

• RFQ Release: September 23, 2026
• Deadline for Qualifications: October 23, 2026
• Notification of Selected Finalists: November 2, 2026
• Conceptual Design Presentations: December 1 - 4, 2026
• Cottontown Art Crawl / Mural Painting: Saturday, March 6, 2027
• Project Completion: Friday, March 12, 2027

Up to nine artists will be shortlisted to develop concepts, with the intent of selecting up to three artists for the final project. Each finalist will receive a $250 proposal stipend.

Selection Process

A selection panel will review qualifications and portfolios. The panel will include stakeholders, Cottontown neighborhood representatives, Commonwealth Properties representatives, artists, and arts administrators.

Up to nine artists will be shortlisted to develop conceptual proposals. Finalists will work with the commissioning organizations to develop a final mural concept for their assigned section and will receive a $250 proposal stipend. Artists may also propose a community participation activity for Cottontown Art Crawl attendees; any such activity will be presented as part of the final concept presentation.

Selection Criteria

• Quality of Past Work
• Relevant Mural/Public Art Experience
• Response to Cottontown and Project Goals in the Letter of Interest
• Feasibility and Ability to Complete the Project

Selected Artist Expectations

• Develop a final mural design for the assigned section in collaboration with the commissioning organizations* If desired, propose a community participation activity for Cottontown Art Crawl attendees as part of the final concept presentation
• Create artwork appropriate to the Cottontown neighborhood
• Use high-quality exterior materials appropriate for the wall
• Provide necessary artistic materials and supplies unless otherwise specified
• Coordinate with Commonwealth Properties and One Columbia on project logistics
• Paint during the Cottontown Art Crawl
• Maintain a safe and professional work area
• Coordinate with the project team regarding public access during the Art Crawl
• Complete the mural according to the agreed-upon schedule

Applicants must submit the following materials:

Statement of Interest: Briefly describe your interest in the Cottontown neighborhood and this project, your experience with murals or large-scale public art, how your artistic practice aligns with the project goals, and your experience working in public or community settings.

Portfolio: Submit up to 6 images of previous work. Applicants are encouraged to include work demonstrating experience with murals, large-scale painting, public art, outdoor artwork, or community/neighborhood-based projects.

Please note that concept proposals are not required with the initial application.

The selected artist must meet the following criteria:

• Be a professional visual artist or artist team
• Have experience creating murals or large-scale public artwork
• Demonstrate the ability to complete a project of this scale
• Live in the United States
• Be available to work during the Cottontown Art Crawl on March 6, 2027
• Not currently be enrolled as a student in a degree program