whex parking garage mural: request for qualifications

ArtWorks and 3CDC are teaming up again by asking the creative community in Cincinnati and beyond to imagine the artistic possibilities this theme could yield for a large-scale mural design. Located at 212 W. 4th Street is a parking garage that sits within view of the convention center, making this opportunity separate but connected to the renovations underway at the Center. In addition to the mural installation, the renovation of the 780-space garage will receive a series of upgrades that include the addition of a new elevator and stair tower, EV chargers, and LED lighting throughout. Responding to the theme of Convergence, ArtWorks and 3CDC seek applications in response to this Request for Qualifications from artists interested in designing artwork for the exterior facade at 212 W. 4th Street detailed below. Beginning with a nationwide Call to Artists, ArtWorks and 3CDC will invite artists of all backgrounds, ages, and disciplines to submit their qualifications for review. ArtWorks and 3CDC will then select up to three (3) semi-finalist artists to create design proposals. Proposals will be reviewed and one artist will be selected as the finalist and sole mural designer. The final design will be translated into the mural at a later date by the designing artist* or a professional artistic team employed by ArtWorks. 

While ArtWorks and 3CDC remain open to reviewing portfolios that reflect a variety of artistic styles, interested applicants should take note of the previously mentioned theme, Convergence: Pieces Creating a Whole, to guide their design development. Additionally, it should be considered that the mural aims to be a piece of public art that is approachable and can be enjoyed by those who live, work, and visit downtown Cincinnati. Due to the mural’s close proximity to the convention center, convention center hotel, and plaza, the artwork should enhance the experience of those visiting Cincinnati, helping them feel excited about the beauty of the city and all it has to offer.  

Upon advancing to the Request for Proposal/Designs (RFP) phase, selected artists will be asked to respond to the guidelines above as well as an accompanying, more detailed creative brief. Successful artwork will reflect the energy and investments being made to the downtown Cincinnati landscape, and the artist(s) should consider how their design can stand out within a city filled with an exceptional public art portfolio and history. Artists should feel empowered to bring their artistic style to design work through the two-dimensional medium of their choice; however, all designs must be submitted to ArtWorks digitally. 

Timeline 2026:

• ArtWorks/3CDC review applications and select three (3) semi-finalist artists to advance for the RFP design phase: Week of January 19, 2026

• Contracts & creative briefs issued to semi-finalists: January 30, 2026

• Design concept proposals due from Artists: February 16, 2026

• ArtWorks/3CDC select and contract finalist: February 20, 2026

• Final design due from Artist: March 16, 2026

• Revised final design due from Artist (if needed): March 23, 2026

• On-site mural production: April - May 2026