Artists Wanted: COMHAR, Inc. Mural
Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Philadelphia, MS, United States
Project Overview
The Porch Light Program is a joint initiative between Mural Arts Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). As a primary funding partner, DBHIDS enables Porch Light to use the mural‑making process as a vehicle for recovery and social connection. By integrating clinicians, service providers like COMHAR, and community members into the creative process, we transform public spaces into symbols of resilience, specifically targeting areas with high health disparities to promote wellness and reduce stigma.
Mural Arts Philadelphia is seeking a lead artist to design and install a permanent mural on a COMHAR, Inc. facility in Kensington. COMHAR is a nonprofit leader providing integrated behavioral health, intellectual disability, HIV/AIDS, and home health services. The mural will be situated on a COMHAR building, serving as a visual anchor for recovery and reflecting the dignity of all individuals served.
We first seek an art educator to offer recurring workshops to individuals with mental health diagnoses participating in rehabilitative programming at COMHAR’s Community Integrated Recovery Centers (CIRCs). Then we seek a muralist to complete a public artwork co‑created with COMHAR’s community. Applicants may offer only workshops, lead both workshops and the mural, or combine both. Preference is given to applicants with lived experience or experience working with adults with mental illness or in recovery.
Artist Qualifications & Selection Criteria
Behavioral Health Literacy: Practical experience or a deep understanding of mental health, trauma‑informed care, and DBHIDS recovery‑oriented model.
Kensington Fluency: Deep awareness of Kensington neighborhood’s history, strengths, and social landscape.
Integrated Service Awareness: Ability to engage with COMHAR’s diverse participant base (children to elderly) and reflect their varied journeys.
Spanish Fluency: Comfortable understanding and speaking Spanish without long pauses or constant translation.
Collaborative & Facilitation Skills: Experience leading “Open Studio” sessions or community workshops where participants contribute to design and painting.
Technical Excellence: Proven track record of at least 2 years in completing large‑scale outdoor murals using high‑quality materials (e.g., parachute cloth or direct‑to‑wall).
Scope of Work & Timeline
Application Phase (Spring): Submit applications by May 31 2026.
Engagement Phase (Late Spring/Summer): Facilitate 3–5 workshops with COMHAR staff, service users, and Kensington residents to gather input and build trust.
Design Phase (Summer): Develop a concept that adheres to the Porch Light mission of promoting wellness and reducing stigma.
Execution Phase (Fall): Full mural installation to be completed in Fall 2026, including a community “Paint Day” and a formal dedication ceremony.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WALL ONLY ALLOWS FOR CERTAIN PORTIONS TO HAVE A MURAL. THE ARTIST WILL BE ASKED TO BE CREATIVE IN DESIGN FOR A MURAL THAT IS NOT FULLY TAKING UP A WALL.
Project Budget
The total all‑inclusive budget for this project is $50,000, with a $16,000 artist fee for design and installation covering:
Artist & Assistant Fees: Design, engagement, and project management.
Materials & Equipment: Paint, non‑woven fabric, primer, and lift/scaffolding rentals.
Administrative Costs: Insurance, permits, and professional documentation.
Submission Requirements
Artist Statement of Intent (Required Prompt):
Social Practice & Mental Health Literacy – Describe your experience (lived or professional) working with individuals facing behavioral health challenges or intellectual disabilities. Explain how you ensure your creative process remains trauma‑informed and supportive of a recovery‑oriented environment (max 500 words).
Portfolio: 5–10 images of relevant mural work, including locations and project budgets.
Resume/CV: Highlighting public art, social practice, and community engagement experience.
References: Contact info for two past clients (preferably nonprofit or community‑based).
Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
The Philadelphia Building
1315 Walnut Street, Suite 1101
Philadelphia, PA 19107
email: info@philaculture.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Porch Light Program is a joint initiative between Mural Arts Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). As a primary funding partner, DBHIDS enables Porch Light to use the mural‑making process as a vehicle for recovery and social connection. By integrating clinicians, service providers like COMHAR, and community members into the creative process, we transform public spaces into symbols of resilience, specifically targeting areas with high health disparities to promote wellness and reduce stigma.
Mural Arts Philadelphia is seeking a lead artist to design and install a permanent mural on a COMHAR, Inc. facility in Kensington. COMHAR is a nonprofit leader providing integrated behavioral health, intellectual disability, HIV/AIDS, and home health services. The mural will be situated on a COMHAR building, serving as a visual anchor for recovery and reflecting the dignity of all individuals served.
We first seek an art educator to offer recurring workshops to individuals with mental health diagnoses participating in rehabilitative programming at COMHAR’s Community Integrated Recovery Centers (CIRCs). Then we seek a muralist to complete a public artwork co‑created with COMHAR’s community. Applicants may offer only workshops, lead both workshops and the mural, or combine both. Preference is given to applicants with lived experience or experience working with adults with mental illness or in recovery.
Artist Qualifications & Selection Criteria
Behavioral Health Literacy: Practical experience or a deep understanding of mental health, trauma‑informed care, and DBHIDS recovery‑oriented model.
Kensington Fluency: Deep awareness of Kensington neighborhood’s history, strengths, and social landscape.
Integrated Service Awareness: Ability to engage with COMHAR’s diverse participant base (children to elderly) and reflect their varied journeys.
Spanish Fluency: Comfortable understanding and speaking Spanish without long pauses or constant translation.
Collaborative & Facilitation Skills: Experience leading “Open Studio” sessions or community workshops where participants contribute to design and painting.
Technical Excellence: Proven track record of at least 2 years in completing large‑scale outdoor murals using high‑quality materials (e.g., parachute cloth or direct‑to‑wall).
Scope of Work & Timeline
Application Phase (Spring): Submit applications by May 31 2026.
Engagement Phase (Late Spring/Summer): Facilitate 3–5 workshops with COMHAR staff, service users, and Kensington residents to gather input and build trust.
Design Phase (Summer): Develop a concept that adheres to the Porch Light mission of promoting wellness and reducing stigma.
Execution Phase (Fall): Full mural installation to be completed in Fall 2026, including a community “Paint Day” and a formal dedication ceremony.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WALL ONLY ALLOWS FOR CERTAIN PORTIONS TO HAVE A MURAL. THE ARTIST WILL BE ASKED TO BE CREATIVE IN DESIGN FOR A MURAL THAT IS NOT FULLY TAKING UP A WALL.
Project Budget
The total all‑inclusive budget for this project is $50,000, with a $16,000 artist fee for design and installation covering:
Artist & Assistant Fees: Design, engagement, and project management.
Materials & Equipment: Paint, non‑woven fabric, primer, and lift/scaffolding rentals.
Administrative Costs: Insurance, permits, and professional documentation.
Submission Requirements
Artist Statement of Intent (Required Prompt):
Social Practice & Mental Health Literacy – Describe your experience (lived or professional) working with individuals facing behavioral health challenges or intellectual disabilities. Explain how you ensure your creative process remains trauma‑informed and supportive of a recovery‑oriented environment (max 500 words).
Portfolio: 5–10 images of relevant mural work, including locations and project budgets.
Resume/CV: Highlighting public art, social practice, and community engagement experience.
References: Contact info for two past clients (preferably nonprofit or community‑based).
Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
The Philadelphia Building
1315 Walnut Street, Suite 1101
Philadelphia, PA 19107
email: info@philaculture.org
#J-18808-Ljbffr