Downtown Window Art

2026 Window Art Open Call

Mosaic Lowell invites artists to submit qualifications to be considered for a commission to paint a window in a commercial space downtown. This is the 5th year of this program which has been extremely popular among artists, residents, and visitors. It brings a pop of color and vibrancy to our downtown during the months in which we see the most visitors. Total commission is $500, plus up to $150 reimbursement to cover materials and parking. Lowell-practicing artists will be prioritized.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

In honor of Lowell’s Bicentennial, submitted concepts should reflect the spirit, history, and future of Lowell. The selection committee is particularly interested in concepts that honor Lowell’s industrial heritage, cultural diversity, and evolution as a vibrant arts & culture hub.

Images will be painted on the exterior of the window. In some cases, access to the interior may be permitted either for painting or taping of stencils or guides. We cannot guarantee or promise whether an artist will be selected to paint on the interior or exterior. For exterior painting, acrylic house paint is highly suggested as the best material. A tip sheet will be provided to all selected artists. 

Artist may be responsible for cleaning the painting surface but will not be responsible for removal. Mosaic Lowell will provide a small sign for the corner of the window indicating information about the project, including artist’s name and a link to an online map of all the window locations (which will hyper-link to the artist website or social media).

Art will be temporary and will remain up until October. Please note that some may need to be removed sooner than others per landlord request and/or if space becomes occupied. Artists will have the option to earn an additional fee to remove one or more pieces of artwork. 

DETAILS:

1. Preference will be given to Lowell-practicing artists. In the case of organizational applications, only organizations or schools serving Lowell residents are eligible.
2. Site Dimensions: Exact window sizes vary, but image sizes should range from 16-30 square feet. Images do not have to be covering the entirety of the assigned window but should be impactful. 
3. Artwork cannot feature any commercial, political, sexually explicit, or religious content and should be appropriate for viewers of all ages. 
4. Proposals will be reviewed by a volunteer committee that includes representatives from downtown businesses, artists, and residents. 
5. The budget for this project is $500 per window, plus up to a $150 reimbursement for supplies and parking. Artists will be paid after the window is completed and have sent an invoice as instructed. 

LOCATION

Locations are still being finalized, but we anticipate that all locations will be on Merrimack Street.

PROJECT TIMELINE

• Deadline for submissions:  Sunday, June 7, 2026 (11:59 pm)
• Notice of selection and award by:  Tuesday, June 23, 2026
• Art must be installed by: Tuesday, July 21, 2026

This project began in 2022 through a partnership with the City of Lowell’s Department of Planning & Development through fundraising efforts by Mosaic Lowell.