CALL TO TUCSON ARTISTS
Historic Downtown Tucson Mural
69 E. Broadway, Tucson, Arizona
Rio Nuevo is seeking a Tucson artist to create a mural celebrating an important piece of downtown Tucson history.
The mural will be located at 69 E. Broadway, where The Prescription Shop operated during the 1960s and into the 1970s.
This historic photograph taken inside The Prescription Shop shows pharmacist Harry Maynard serving a customer. We would like this photograph to be the primary inspiration for the mural. Artists are encouraged to work from the image and may interpret it creatively while preserving its historic character and connection to the site. A likeness of Harry Maynard is preferred. Additional photographs will be made available to those selected to present a proposal.
Our goal is to create a mural that is visually compelling, appropriate to its historic setting, and meaningful to people who live in and visit downtown Tucson.
MURAL SITE
The mural will be painted on the exposed brick wall at 69 E. Broadway.
The available area is approximately 15 feet wide by 9 feet high. Final dimensions will be confirmed before design and installation.
Artists may propose a design that uses the full available area or creatively incorporates portions of the historic brick.
PROJECT FEE
Rio Nuevo has a total project budget of $5,500, inclusive of the artist’s fee and all expenses required to complete the mural.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
This Call to Artists is open to artists based in the Tucson area.
Applicants should demonstrate strong artistic ability, relevant experience, and the ability to successfully complete a permanent outdoor mural.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Artists interested in being considered should submit:
- Up to 150 words describing why you are attracted to this project, what you would bring to the work, and your thoughts about the importance of preserving and celebrating history through public art.
- A link to your website or online portfolio, or up to six examples of work you have created.
A mural design is not required at this stage.
All submissions should be emailed to:
INVITATION TO SUBMIT A FULL PROPOSAL
Deadline: October 30, 2026
All applicants will be notified whether they have been selected to prepare a full proposal.
Artists invited to submit a full proposal will receive any additional information needed to develop their proposals. Finalists who submit a complete proposal, including the required rendering(s), but are not selected for the mural commission will receive a $250 stipend.
FINAL PROPOSALS DUE
Deadline: November 30, 2026
Each finalist will be asked to submit:
- A written description of the proposed mural and the thinking behind the design.
- One to three potential renderings of the mural.
- An explanation of how the proposed design incorporates or interprets the historic photograph of The Prescription Shop.
- Information about the materials and techniques proposed for the project.
- A proposed schedule for completing the work.
Rio Nuevo will pay the selected artist a project fee of $5,500, inclusive of the artist’s fee and all expenses required to complete the mural.
ARTIST SELECTION
Deadline: December 15, 2026
Rio Nuevo will select the artist whose proposal best reflects the goals of the project, including artistic quality, creativity, sensitivity to the history of the site, feasibility, and overall value.
Final mural design will be subject to approval by Rio Nuevo and the property owner.
All finalists will be notified of the decision.
PROJECT COMPLETION
The completed mural must be installed by March 30, 2027.
The selected artist will work with Rio Nuevo on final design approval, scheduling, and installation.
AGREEMENT
The selected artist will be required to enter into an agreement with Rio Nuevo. A sample agreement is available below.
Download Sample Mural Agreement (PDF)
PROJECT TIMELINE
| Date | Milestone |
| October 15, 2026 | Expressions of interest due |
| October 30, 2026 | Artists notified whether selected as finalists |
| November 30, 2026 | Final proposals due |
| December 15, 2026 | Artist selected and all finalists notified |
| March 30, 2027 | Mural completed |
SUBMISSIONS AND QUESTIONS
Please email all submissions and questions to: