TCPL and Ithaca Murals are excited to announce a
CALL FOR MURAL PROPOSALS
​for the front of the building at
Tompkins County Public Library!
101 East Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with Ithaca Murals, is seeking a muralist to give a makeover to the exterior of the library in downtown Ithaca. This mural celebrates the ​25th anniversary of TCPL’s location on Green St. and reflects the library as a welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring space for all. The selected artist will create a cohesive design across multiple architectural elements of the building, transforming existing green-painted surfaces into a unified, vibrant public artwork that visitors can move through—encountering color, imagery, and meaning across walls, columns, and architectural details.
💰 ​​​Artist Award 
$14,000 (for stipend and supplies)
👤​ Eligibility
Open to experienced muralists.
🗓️ Timeline
Proposals Due: May 30, 2026
Winning artist contacted: July, 2026
Painted: Summer-Fall 2026
🧩 ​​​ The Space
​The mural will be painted on the exterior of TCPL along Green Street, including:
  • Low walls leading to the entrance
  • Columns that can be walked around
  • Curved corner wall at Green & Cayuga
  • Window trim and door
The selected artist will create a cohesive design across multiple architectural elements, transforming all currently green-painted surfaces into a unified, vibrant mural that visitors can move through and experience.
Theme
We are seeking a mural that feels inviting, joyful, and accessible, resonating with people of all ages and backgrounds! Consider how your mural design flows across multiple surfaces and architectural features. Here's some possible ideas...
  • 📚 Reading, learning, and imagination
  • 🤝 Community connection and belonging
  • 🌱 Growth and lifelong learning
  • 🏛️ The library as a welcoming space for everyone
  • 🌍 Inspiration from TCPL's Mission, Vision, and Equity Statements
The areas that we'd like transformed are currently painted green!
Email your 3-part mural proposal to  [email protected] with subject heading TCPL Mural Submission!
1. Pictures attached: 5 examples of mural experience
2. Picture attached: Sketch of your mural proposal
3. In the body of your email:
  - brief project description to help us understand your sketch    
  - name, contact, and a short bio
Questions about this TCPL mural project?
​Text Caleb R Thomas 607.273.5242
Links
Click HERE to donate to Ithaca Murals so we can do more projects like this!
Ithaca Murals is a fiscally sponsored project of the Center for Transformative Action, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.
​Donate to Ithaca Murals HERE!