Redesign our Perry & Montgomery Street Mural

Creek to Canal Creative District | Isles, Inc.Trenton, New Jersey

Project Overview

Isles, Inc., through the Creek to Canal (C2C) Creative District, is seeking an artist to design and complete the next installation of the Perry & Montgomery Rotating Mural Project in Trenton, New Jersey.

Located at the corner of Perry and North Montgomery Streets, the rotating mural serves as a public art installation designed to beautify the neighborhood, celebrate Trenton, and create opportunities for artists to contribute to the creative landscape of the city.

The selected artist will receive $2,500 to complete the mural.

Project Theme

The proposed mural should celebrate the City of Trenton and the diversity of the residents who call it home.

Artists are encouraged to develop a design that tells a positive and recognizable story about Trenton. Designs may incorporate:

• Trenton residents and the diversity of the community

• Historic Trenton figures

• Local leaders and individuals who have contributed to the city

• Trenton monuments and landmarks

• Parks and public spaces

• Historic neighborhoods and areas throughout the city

• Trenton's arts and culture

• Architecture and recognizable places throughout Trenton

• Elements representing Trenton's past, present, and future

• Images that promote community, pride, creativity, and connection

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Artists are encouraged to be creative in how these elements are represented. The final design does not have to include every element listed above but should have a clear connection to Trenton, its people, history, culture, and community.

The artwork should be welcoming and appropriate for public display and should represent the neighborhood and city in a positive way.

Artist Responsibilities

The selected artist will be responsible for completing the mural from preparation through final installation.

The artist is required to:

• Develop and finalize the approved mural design.

• Prime the plywood prior to painting.

• Provide all paint and materials necessary to complete the mural.

• Complete the mural within the agreed-upon project timeline.

• Maintain communication with Isles/C2C throughout the project.

• Make reasonable design adjustments based on feedback prior to beginning the final mural.

• Leave the project area clean following completion.

  
  

The $2,500 project payment is inclusive of the artist's fees & supplies.

Proposal Requirements:

Artists interested in being considered should submit a proposal containing the following:

• Full name

• Artist name, if applicable

• City and state/location

• Email address

• Phone number

• Artist biography

Online Presence

• Website or link to online portfolio

• Instagram handle/link

• Facebook handle/link

• TikTok handle/link

• Additional social media or artist portfolio links, if applicable

Artist Experience

• Past achievements

• Previous art projects completed

• Public art and/or mural experience, if applicable

• Primary artistic medium(s)

• Painting style and approach

• Photos or links showing examples of previous work

  
  

Proposed Mural Design

Applicants must submit a concept for the Perry & Montgomery mural. The mural must be hand crafted, no vinyl stickers will be accepted for this project.

The proposal should include:

• A sketch, rendering, or digital concept of the proposed mural

• A brief description of the concept

• An explanation of how the design represents Trenton

• Identification of any historic figures, landmarks, parks, neighborhoods, monuments, or other Trenton references included in the design

• A description of how diversity and the residents of the neighborhood are represented within the artwork

• Proposed colors and overall artistic style

  
  

The concept submitted as part of the application does not have to be the final version. The selected artist will have an opportunity to work with Isles/C2C to finalize the design before painting begins.

Proposal Submission Format

All requested information and materials should be submitted together as one PDF file. Please include your artist information, bio, experience, past projects, examples of previous work, social media and website links, artistic medium/style, proposed mural design, and concept description within the PDF.

Suggested File Name:FirstName_LastName_PerryMontgomeryMural.pdf

File Size:Please keep your PDF 20 MB or less to ensure your submission can be successfully uploaded and reviewed.

Please make sure all images, links, and written information are clear and easy to view before submitting your proposal.

Artist Selection

Proposals will be reviewed based on:

• Creativity and strength of the proposed concept

• Connection to Trenton

• Representation of diversity and community

• Overall artistic quality

• Artist experience and past work

• Ability to successfully complete a public mural

• Feasibility of completing the proposed design within the project budget and timeline

  
  

Preference may be given to artists with a connection to Trenton and the surrounding community.

Project Payment

The selected artist will receive a total project payment of:

$2,500

The payment covers the artist's fees, materials, and other expenses.

About the Perry & Montgomery Rotating Mural

The mural at Perry and North Montgomery Streets is a rotating public art installation within the Creek to Canal Creative District. The space provides an opportunity to introduce new artwork over time while supporting artists and using public art to bring color, creativity, and positive attention to the neighborhood.

Each rotation gives another artist an opportunity to leave their mark on Trenton while creating artwork that residents, visitors, and the surrounding community can experience in a public space.

How to Apply

Artists should submit all requested proposal materials by:

Deadline: September 9, 2026

Submission Email: tbenton@isles.org

Project Location: Perry & North Montgomery Streets, Trenton, NJ

Questions regarding the Call for Artists may be directed to: Special Projects Manager, Tyquan Benton, tbenton@isles.org

We encourage Trenton artists and artists with a connection to the city to submit proposals and help us create the next chapter of the Perry & Montgomery Rotating Mural.