Downtown Wooster Square Alley Public Art Application
The Square Alley Public Art Initiative is rooted in the belief that public art can help people feel seen, connected, and proud of where they live. Through community conversations and public surveys, residents described a desire for art that reflects Wooster’s people, stories, history, and natural character while also creating opportunities for connection, pride, and shared experiences.
Artists are encouraged to create work that responds to this sense of optimism and transformation while honoring the authentic character of the area. Competitive proposals will help create spaces that invite people to linger, walk, gather, interact, and experience Downtown Wooster in new ways.
Main Street Wooster invites artists to apply for three public art opportunities located within the Downtown Wooster Arts District. Applicants may apply for one, two, or all three projects.
Community-Informed Design Priorities
Proposals should align with feedback gathered through community outreach. When asked what public art should reflect, respondents emphasized:
Representation of Wooster’s cultural variety, including but not limited to local:
History
Institutions
Entertainment
Sports
Education
Industry
Natural Resources
Project Timeline
Call to Artists Opens: 5/27/26
Application Deadline: Noon on 7/6/26
Selected Applicants Notified: 7/17/26 Additional rounds of applications may be solicited if the selection panel and building owners cannot reach a consensus.
Project Start: Summer 2026
Installation Deadline: In accordance with application materials; no later than August 16, 2027.
Project Opportunities
Project 1: South Façade of 146 W South Street. Current home to Ride On Bicycles, future home to expanded Local Roots, a local foods market.
Located within the heart of Wooster’s emerging Arts District, this highly visible façade presents an opportunity to create a bold visual landmark that contributes to the identity, walkability, and energy of the neighborhood. Artists are encouraged to consider concepts that feel welcoming, memorable, and connected to the surrounding community.
Surface: Raw masonry (brick and mortar)
Wall Dimensions: 83’ wide x 13’ high
Mural dimensions & placement to be determined in collaboration with selected artist
Budget: $11,000
Special Considerations:
Materials should be able to be removed and reinstalled due to potential building expansion within 10 years
Door and steps should be considered in placement of the mural
Community involvement encouraged but not required
Project 2: North Façade of 231 S Market Street. Current home to Wooster Appliance.
This north-facing façade occupies a highly visible location along the key South Market Street thoroughfare. The site offers an opportunity for an eye-catching installation that enhances the pedestrian experience and reinforces the growing creative identity of Downtown Wooster.
Surface: Painted Concrete Block
Wall Dimensions: 80’ wide x 13’ high
Mural dimensions & placement to be determined in collaboration with selected artist
Budget: $8,000
Special Considerations:
Community involvement encouraged but not required
Placement should be planned along the upper portion of the wall, with at least the majority of the mural to be seen above parked cars
Windows and wall projections/ribs should be considered in the design and placement of the mural
Project 3: Square Alley Street Art
Square Alley is intended to become more than a passageway — it is envisioned as an engaging public space that invites people to walk, gather, pause, and experience the neighborhood differently. Community feedback emphasized a desire for art that is interactive, approachable, colorful, and created with public participation. Artists are encouraged to develop concepts that can be implemented collaboratively with residents and volunteers while remaining durable and maintainable over time.
Surface: Asphalt
Dimensions: 12”–24” width x approximately 400’ length (width may vary)
Budget: $8,000
Special Considerations:
Community engagement is required for this project. Art may be step/repeat. Stencils, paint-by-numbers, or other techniques may be used to help community members produce a visually pleasing result. We have budgeted additional funds to provide water, snacks and t-shirts to community participants. Competitive applications will use imagery that may be easily touched up due to normal wear and tear of the roadway.
Project Budget & Allowable Costs
Each project budget is inclusive of all costs associated with design, fabrication, and installation, including but not limited to:
Artist fees
Surface preparation
Materials and supplies
Equipment (e.g., scaffolding, lifts)
Installation labor
Budgets include one round of minor revisions (up to 15% design change) prior to final approval.
Application Requirements (At Submission)
Applicants must submit:
Portfolio
Up to five completed projects
Up to four images per project
Each project must include location and reference contact (name, email, phone)
Curriculum Vitae
Education
Professional Accomplishments
Project Mock-up
Design/imagery of project. Applicant must own all rights to the art utilized.
Materials to be used
Dimensions & Placement of imagery (on wall murals)
Method of installation and any necessary surface preparation
Artists may submit as many mock-ups as they like
Estimated Project Timeline
Provide details of any variables, e.g. weather conditions needed for installation
Artist Responsibilities (If Selected)
Selected artists or artist teams will be responsible for:
Final design development in collaboration with the selection panel
Procurement of all materials (with detailed materials list provided)
Execution of installation within agreed timeline
Coordination with Main Street Wooster for logistics
Site preparation, priming, and professional installation
Daily site cleanup
Facilitating community engagement (Project 3 only)
Providing proof of general liability insurance
Providing a 2-year warranty
Providing a maintenance plan
Design Requirements
Content Restrictions
No logos, slogans, or advertisements
No depictions of drugs or alcohol
No offensive, discriminatory, violent, or explicit imagery
Safety & Visibility
Designs must not confuse drivers or pedestrians
No neon, fluorescent, or reflective colors
General Guidelines
Designs should be appropriate for a public, all-ages environment
Final approval of design rests with the organizing committee
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be 18 years or older
Be legally permitted to work in the United States
Funding Structure
Payments will be distributed as follows:
1/3 upon contract execution
1/3 at 50% project completion
1/3 upon final completion
Selection Process
A selection panel will review applications, consisting of representatives from:
Main Street Wooster
Wayne Center for the Arts
City of Wooster
Additional panel members may be added at the discretion of Main Street Wooster. The property owner retains the right to approve or reject final mural proposals. Additional rounds of applications may be solicited if a consensus cannot be reached.
Phase One: Portfolio Review
Applications will be evaluated based on:
Alignment with design priorities
Artistic merit (creativity, originality, composition)
Technical skill
Relevant experience
Logistics
Work hours and site access will be coordinated with Main Street Wooster
Traffic and safety requirements must be followed where applicable
Intellectual Property
Artists retain copyright of their work
Main Street Wooster reserves the right to reproduce images of the design and installation in the normal course of its operations.
Contact for Questions: Shannon Waller (330) 262-6222 shannon@mainstreetwooster.org