Arts Services Inc. (ASI), on behalf of former Assemblymember Monica Wallace and the East Lovejoy Coalition of Neighbors Block Club, Inc. (ELCON), invites experienced mural artists to submit proposals for a large-scale public mural at the Lovejoy Pool in Buffalo’s historic Lovejoy neighborhood.

The Lovejoy Pool Iron Island Mural Project will transform the east-facing exterior wall of the pool building into a vibrant public artwork celebrating the neighborhood’s rich railroad history and its longstanding identity as “Iron Island.” The completed mural will serve as a highly visible landmark along the Lovejoy business corridor, welcoming residents and visitors while fostering pride, connection, and a stronger sense of place.

Artists are encouraged to create a bold, engaging design that honors the community’s railroad heritage while reflecting themes of movement, connection, and neighborhood identity.

Project at a Glance

  • Location: Lovejoy Pool, 1171 E. Lovejoy Street, Buffalo, NY 14206
  • Mural Site: East-facing exterior wall
  • Wall Size: Approximately 30 ft. x 150 ft.
  • Project Timeline: August–September 2026 installation, with completion anticipated in early October 2026
  • Commission: $31,800

The selected artist or artist team will receive a commission that includes:

  • Artist design fees
  • Materials and supplies
  • Surface preparation
  • Fabrication and installation
  • Equipment and rental costs
  • Application of required protective coatings
  • Artists may propose painting directly onto the wall or utilizing Polytab (or a comparable material) to improve long-term durability.

Read the complete Call for Artists here.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to artists and creatives of all disciplines, including (but not limited to) muralists, painters, graphic designers, and street artists.

  • Open to individual artists and collaborative teams
  • Preference given to artists based in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, and Wyoming counties, or the Native nations that share this geography

Submission Details

Applications must be submitted online through an online submission form (via Jotform) and will include:

  • As part of the application, artists will upload a single PDF that includes:
  • A written description of the proposed mural concept
  • Materials and installation approach
  • Concept sketches and/or visual references
  • A detailed project budget
  • Images or links to examples of previous work
  • Applicants will also provide contact information directly within the online application.

Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of arts professionals, community representatives, and project partners. Selections will be based on artistic excellence, relevance to the project’s theme, feasibility, durability, and suitability for the site.

Key Dates

  • Call Opens: June 8, 2026
  • Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
  • Panel Review & Selection: July 16–31, 2026
  • Artist Notification: Early August 2026
  • Installation Period: August–September 2026
  • Project Completion: Early October 2026

 

Please note that the project schedule may shift based on weather conditions and site-specific considerations.

Questions?

Questions regarding the application process, requirements, or deadlines can be directed to Arts Services Inc. at [email protected] or (716) 833-3004.

Artists interested in viewing the site or learning more about the physical space may contact the East Lovejoy Coalition of Neighbors Block Club, Inc. at [email protected]. The site is located in a public area and may be viewed at any time.

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