Buffalo Park Water Tank Mural

Keep an eye out next week, when the City of Flagstaff opens a Request for Statements of Qualifications (RSOQs) for an artist or artist team to design and execute a large-scale mural on the Buffalo Park water tank. This highly visible project could reflect Flagstaff, Northern Arizona, the current activity and/or history of the park, or the communities that utilize this natural and recreational resource. The mural will become an emblematic feature of the park and the surrounding area.

Five finalists will receive an honorarium of $5,000. The total budget for this project is up to $300,000 for fabrication and installation.

Application Deadline: February 17, 2026, 5:00 pm (Arizona Time)

Note: Applications will be accepted exclusively through OpenGov. Artists interested in applying are encouraged to register on OpenGov in advance. Beautification, Arts & Sciences e-subscribers will receive an email when the Call opens.

Southside Projects Celebrate

Community and Connection

Two new City of Flagstaff public art projects celebrate the Southside and remind us why this neighborhood holds such an important place in Flagstaff’s cultural heritage. Rustle, by artist Beth Nybeck, represents nature, the interconnected stories of the neighborhood, and the rich history of the Southside. Placed within Cleo Murdoch Park, the eight-foot-tall weathering steel artwork incorporates words and phrases contributed by members of the community—a sculpture that truly reflects the Southside and the people who have called it, and continue to call it, home. The Historic Dunbar School Plaque, located at the entrance to Murdoch Community Center, honors the school’s legacy and the contributions of Paul Laurence Dunbar, Principal Cleo Murdoch, and Principal Wilson Riles. Designed by artist Marie Jones with interpretive text by Dr. Ricardo Guthrie, the plaque includes an interactive component that allows visitors to view the original foundation stones of the school.

Image: Rustle by Beth Nybeck at Cleo Murdoch Park

Via Linda Senior Center Public Art (RFQ)

Scottsdale Public Art is accepting qualifications from artists for a permanent public art opportunity for the Via Linda Senior Center Expansion project in Scottsdale, Arizona. The final selected artist will receive $45,000 for the realization of the art. The selected artist will design, fabricate, and install permanent artwork to be featured in the metal enclosures for the utility box and trash receptacles at the front of the building, and on the fencing at the breezeway between the existing building and the new building, or as a glass design on the eastside windows of the new building.

Application Deadline: January 19, 2026, 11:59 pm (Arizona Time)
Image: Courtesy of Scottsdale Public Art

Amazon Flats Murals & Mosaics (RFQ)

The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona is accepting qualifications from artists for murals and mosaics at Amazon Flats, an affordable housing project. Public art components will be integrated into the exterior of the building in the form of mosaics and murals. These artwork locations will be key visual elements for residents and visitors of the building. The artist will collaborate with and coordinate with the project team to fine-tune the timing of artwork installation and provide input on the finishes—such as color and texture—needed for the mural and mosaic wall surfaces. This opportunity is open to all professional artists and artist teams worldwide. The budget for this project is $122,935.

Application Deadline: February 5, 2026, 5:00 pm (Arizona time)

Image: Courtesy of Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona

Plant the SEAD for Success

Sedona Arts Center is now accepting applications from Arizona artists for the 2026 Sedona Entrepreneurial Artist Development Program (SEAD), a two-day immersive training designed to help visual artists at all stages strengthen the business side of their practice, clarify their creative direction, and build sustainable, intentional careers. Held March 14–15, SEAD empowers artists to approach their work through an entrepreneurial lens, offering focused guidance in strategic planning, artist statements and résumés, creative branding and storytelling, marketing and audience engagement, and financial organization. Participants will develop an individualized strategic business plan, and those who successfully complete the program and submit an approved plan within one year will be eligible to apply for a $500 implementation grant.

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026, 11:59 pm (Arizona time)

Image: Participants of Sedona Arts Center’s sold-out SEAD Program in 2025.