Beautifying Rapid City One Mural At A Time!

For Immediate Release: February 4, 2026
Beautifying Rapid City One Mural At A Time!

Rapid City, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is inviting South Dakota artists to submit proposals for two large-scale outdoor murals as part of Rapid City’s Downtown Beautification Project. This public art initiative seeks to transform Rapid City through murals that reflect the region’s natural beauty and community spirit. 
 
The theme for these murals will be nature-themed, specifically nature that is in the surrounding Black Hills. The artist will be responsible for all wall preparation, paint, and materials, with the project completed by early July, weather permitting. Submissions must be sent by March 20, 2026 at 11:59pm. To learn more about this project visit our website at, rapidcityartscouncil.org/downtownmuralproject.

Locations A:
One of the murals will be installed in Art Alley on the south-facing wall located at the entry of
Art Alley off 6th Street in Downtown Rapid City.
Location B:
Announced Soon

Artist Eligibility:

• Open to all artists or artist groups within South Dakota
• Must be able to provide materials 
• Must have knowledge of mural installations
• Experienced with public art or large-scale murals preferred. 

Proposal Requirements:

• Artist statement and biography
• Artist CV
• Photographs of previous public art installations or previous murals
• Concept description and visual mock-up/sketch
• Explanation of how the design aligns with the theme of nature and community values
• Budget breakdown (including artist fees, material, equipment, anti-graffiti coating etc.)
• Timeline for completion
• Location A or B?

Email submissions to: [email protected] Subject Line: Community Murals - [Your Last Name] with all accompanying documents. Proposals received later than 11:59pm on March 20 will not be considered.

The RCAC will select the two proposals that:

• Most align with the theme of nature and community values
• Technically feasible
• Demonstrate a strong artistic vision
• Connect well to Rapid City and the surrounding region

Important Dates: 

• Application Deadline: March 20, 2026, at 11:59pm
• Artist Selection Announced: March 27, 2026, by 5:00pm
• Installation Period: April 3 - July 17, 2026

To learn more about this project visit: rapidcityartscouncil.org/downtownmuralproject.

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For More Information:
Maggie Lepa-Wince
Rapid City Arts Council
605.719.7218
[email protected] 

The purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral and more inspiring for the communities we serve.​ RCAC was established by community leaders in 1968 and officially partnered with the city in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center and expand arts and cultural resources. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and educational classes. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences. Located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City, the center offers free admission and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Discover more at rapidcityartscouncil.org.