City of Des Moines, IA
03/17/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/17/2025 13:52
Des Moines Parks and Recreation Seeks Mural Artist for Pioneer Columbus Rec Center
Press Release
Des Moines, Iowa- Monday, March 17, 2025 - The City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a professional artist or artist team to design and install a large-scale mural on the exterior of Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center as part of the Stone Park Improvements Project. This exciting public art opportunity is made possible through a BRAVO Greater Des Moines Public Art Grant and additional private donations.
The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is now open and artists from across Central Iowa are invited to apply for this $43,000 commission. The selected artist will create a mural that reflects the character and identity of the Indianola Hills neighborhood, Stone Park, and the surrounding community.
"This project will create a dynamic, fun, and inviting destination within our city and park system, and it is the finishing piece of Stone Park Improvements. Accessible public art brings elements that add vibrancy, connections, and develop the places our communities deserve," said Aaron Graves, Des Moines Parks and Recreation Park Planner II. "We're excited to see how artists interpret the community's vision through this mural.
How to Apply
Professional artists or teams must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Professional artists or teams must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
- Live, work, or operate a business in Polk, Dallas, Madison, Warren, Marion, Jasper, Marshall, Story, or Boone County.
- Employees, board members, and immediate family members of the City of Des Moines, Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center, Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation, BRAVO Greater Des Moines, and Friends of Des Moines Parks are not eligible to apply.
Artists can submit their qualifications at DSM.city/PioneerMuralRFQ The application deadline is April 7, 2025.
Community Input Will Shape the Mural
Public input will play a key role in shaping the mural's final concept. The community is invited to take a short questionnaire to share ideas and themes for the artwork through April 4, 2025. Responses will be provided to finalist artists to guide their proposed designs.
Next Steps
Following the RFQ process, a panel will review submissions and select finalists to develop mural concepts based on community feedback. A final artist or team will be chosen, with the mural installation expected to take place in summer/fall 2025. Additional details can be found on the project webpage.
Contact
Ally MacLean
Communications Specialist, City Manager's Office
(309) 912-5657
AAMacLean@dmgov.org
About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital city and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 47 neighborhoods, over 4,000 acres of parkland and 81 miles of trails. The City of Des Moines stands to be a financially strong city with exceptional city services, fostering an involved community in a customer friendly atmosphere.
Visit DSM.city, Facebook and X(Twitter) for more information.