Project Goals

• Celebrate and represent the Spanish-speaking community of Lexington Park.

• Engage local residents in shaping the mural's themes through participatory methods like photo crowdsourcing.

• Create a lasting visual tribute that honors the heritage, resilience, and contributions of the community.

• Enhance the public space and foster a sense of belonging while incorporating storytelling elements that highlight community values, traditions, and identity.

Why This Project Matters

Lexington Park is home to a vibrant Spanish-speaking community whose voices, traditions, and contributions in which we’d like to uplift and showcase. This mural will serve as a symbol of representation and empowerment, showcasing beauty and diversity of culture. 

Through an inclusive process using photo crowdsourcing and other participatory methods, we will ensure that community members—especially those who may feel unseen or unheard—have a direct role in shaping the mural’s message and imagery.  It is critical that this project is conducted with care, respect, and confidentiality to create a safe space for storytelling and artistic collaboration.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from individual artists or artist teams who:

• Have experience in mural design and execution (public or community-based work preferred).

• Has a passion for community-driven art and engagement, and is comfortable collaborating  with community members, organizations, and project partners.

• Can complete the project within the given timeline and budget

• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and knowledge.

• Bilingual language skills (English/Spanish) are not required, but a plus.

• Open to all Maryland Artists

• Residents of St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles Counties are preferred due to site location. 

Artist Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with project organizers and local residents to develop the mural concept.

• Participate and dedicate time to community engagement activities to gather inspiration and feedback. This is crucial.

• Design and submit a mural concept informed by community input.

• Execute the mural at the designated location within the project timeline.

• Attend and participate in the mural unveiling event.

Project Timeline (Subject to Adjustment)

• Call for Artists Opens: April 25, 2025

• Application Deadline: June 9, 2025

• Artist Selection & Notification: by late June 2025

• Community Engagement & Design Development: August-September 2025

• Mural Installation: Mid-September–October 

• Unveiling Event: Spring 2026

Budget & Compensation

The selected artist(s) will receive $12,000, which includes:

• Artist fee

• Materials and supplies

How to Apply!

Interested artists should submit the following materials via the Google Form below by June 9th at 5:00pm:

1. Portfolio (2-5 images of past mural work, preferably community-based)

2. Artist Statement (2-4 paragraphs) explaining your interest in the project and approach to community engagement (including use of crowdsourced photo input)

3. Resume highlighting relevant experience

4. Proposed Process (1-2 paragraphs) describing how you will engage with the community and develop the design

5. References (contact info for at least two individuals familiar with your work)

Selection Process

A review panel composed of Arts Council staff, adjacent business owners,  professionals serving the Spanish-speaking community, and Atlantic Realty, owners of the Pax River Village Center.

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Artistic quality and experience

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse communities

• Cultural sensitivity and relevance to the project’s theme

• Feasibility of proposed process and execution

Finalists may be invited for a brief informal interview before selection.

Questions? Please contact: info@smcart.org