Prospect Street Substation Public Art Opportunity
The Somerville Arts Council, in partnership with the City of Somerville and Eversource Energy, invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for a major public art opportunity in Union Square, Somerville. This call seeks an artist or team to create a bold, dynamic mural installation for Eversource’s expanded Prospect Street Electrical Substation Building, a highly visible site across from the MBTA Green Line Union Square Station.
This project is an opportunity to create a new visual landmark for one of Somerville’s most vibrant and evolving neighborhoods.
About the Opportunity
Union Square is a place shaped by movement, creativity, industry, reinvention, and community. Once an industrial center and now a destination for arts, culture, small businesses, and global food, the neighborhood continues to evolve while maintaining a strong local identity. For this commission, we are seeking artwork that reflects that energy.
We are looking for artist(s) with experience in murals or other public art installations who can bring a strong visual voice, thoughtful community awareness, and the ability to execute a project of this scale.
This is the first phase of a two-step process:
- Phase One: Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
- Phase Two: Three finalists will be invited to develop site-specific proposals through a Request for Proposals (RFP)
At this stage, artists are not being asked to submit a full design proposal. We are asking for qualifications, past work, and statements that help the selection panel understand your experience, artistic approach, and fit for the project.
Important Note: We encourage all applicants to carefully review the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) before submitting an application. The RFQ includes important details about the project, eligibility, submission requirements, and selection process.
Project Theme
We are seeking a mural that captures the innovation, propulsion, and constant momentum of Union Square.
Rather than a literal historical timeline, we are looking for a work that feels:
- vibrant
- bold
- joyful
- dynamic
- expressive rather than literal
The selected artwork should resonate with the surrounding environment and help create an iconic, welcoming presence in Union Square.
Site Details
The artwork will be installed on the east and west walls of the expanded substation building.
Available space includes:
- Prospect Street wall: approximately 1,475 sq. ft.
- Newton Street wall: approximately 120 sq. ft.
- Total art area: approximately 1,595 sq. ft.
Artists should note that:
- the work must be stable and relatively maintenance-free for 10+ years
- no penetrations or attachments into the building façade are allowed
- the mural/materials must be compatible with the substation building surface and Eversource requirements
- access, safety, and security requirements will apply throughout the project
Budget
The selected artist or artist team will receive a fixed fee of $50,000.
This amount includes all project-related expenses, including:
- artist labor
- coordination
- subcontractors
- materials and supplies
- equipment
- travel
- housing
- insurance
In Phase Two, three finalists will each receive a $1,000 stipend to develop their proposal.
Who Can Apply
This opportunity is open to:
- individual artists
- artist teams
- nonprofit organizations
For-profit businesses may not apply as entities, but individuals within a firm may apply. Final contracting will be with individuals or nonprofits.
We strongly encourage applications from artists with:
- experience completing large-scale murals or public art
- strong visual and artistic practice
- experience working with communities, public agencies, or multiple stakeholders
- the ability to respond thoughtfully to site-specific conditions
What to Submit
Applicants must submit:
- Statement of Interest (300 words max)
- Artist Statement (300 words max)
OR a video statement (up to 1 minute) - Resume or CV
- max 2 pages for individual artists
- max 4 pages combined for artist teams
- Two professional references
- Up to 10 images of completed work
- Work sample list including title, date, materials, dimensions, budget, location, and brief description
Timeline
- Call released: March 14, 2026
- RFQ deadline: April 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM
- RFQ review period: April 16–27, 2026
- Finalist notification: April 28, 2026
- RFP released to finalists: May 4, 2026
- Final proposals due: June 1, 2026
- Award notification: June 19, 2026
- Mural execution window: July 1st to October 31st, 2026
Questions
Questions about this call may be directed to:
Rachel Strutt – [email protected] or Jessica Saavedra – [email protected]
How to Apply
Please complete the online application form and upload all required materials by:
Tuesday, April 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Application Form
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