The city of Lawrence, Kansas, has announced a call for artists to create a mural in the Vermont Street parking garage, located at 725 Vermont Street next to the Lawrence Public Library. Artists or teams are invited to submit qualifications, including a written idea or sketch, work samples, a bio, and a resume, by November 16, 2025. A review committee will select up to three finalists, each receiving $300 to develop a formal proposal, and one will be awarded a $5,500 commission to install the artwork on the ground-level west-facing wall. The project is part of the city's ongoing public art initiatives, which have included other installations in downtown parking garages this year.
This call matters because it reflects Lawrence's commitment to integrating public art into everyday urban spaces, celebrating local identity and community spirit. The mural will join recent works like Alicia Kelly's "Hanging In, Hanging Out" banners and Mona Cliff's mural in another garage, demonstrating a growing investment in accessible, site-specific art that engages residents and visitors. By involving local artists and a community review process, the project strengthens the city's cultural fabric and supports the local creative economy.