ArtsWave and its ArtsWave Pride affinity group announced March 31 a call for artists to design a public mural in Covington, Kentucky, marking the group’s first commissioned public art project. The mural will be installed on the west-facing exterior of Madison Design’s building at 515 Madison Ave. and is intended to reflect LGBTQIA+ community visibility in Northern Kentucky.

The project carries a $12,500 artist stipend and is open to local, regional, national, and international artists, with preference given to Ohio and Kentucky-based applicants. Artists must submit qualifications, past work, and a preliminary concept. Applications opened March 25 and close April 25 at 5 p.m. ArtsWave will host a free virtual information session April 2 from noon to 1 p.m. Installation is planned for summer 2026, with a public dedication to follow.

Rachael Parker, director of Northern Kentucky Creative Placemaking at ArtsWave, said the project is part of a broader initiative to strengthen community identity through public art. Covington was the first city in the Greater Cincinnati region to pass a Fairness Ordinance protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Building owner Jackie Roberto, a partner at Madison Design, said the firm strongly supports artists and creative expression.

ArtsWave is the primary arts funder for the Greater Cincinnati region. Full application details are available at artswave.org/apply.

Source: NKY Tribune