Memorial Park Bandshell Mural Call For Artists

The City of Helena seeks to commission a painted mural inside the bandshell, along the arch framework, and wings at Memorial Park, located in Helena, Montana.

COMPENSATION
The Selected Artist or Team of Artists will be paid a total of $12,000 for the design, supply procurement, preparation, installation, and sealing of the Mural.
Artist must purchase/provide all supplies needed to complete the project.
The surface will be repaired, sanded, and cleaned by the City prior to mural installation.

SCOPE OF WORK, DELIVERABLES, AND TIMELINE
The unique size of the canvas, viewing distance, location, and practicality of concept should be considered when submitting your mural designs. The design should be such that the potential for graffiti and vandalism is minimized. It is preferred that the lower part of the inside of the bandshell be lighter colors to assist with lighting during performances.

THEME
Memorial Park was named to honor fallen warriors. The Bandshell artwork should celebrate the best parts of our society and community. The park is a central focus for events from summer kids’ camps, dance performances, picnics, the annual school carnival, and the weekly capitol band performances; and serves as the backdrop for the Lewis & Clark Veteran’s Memorial.

The selected design will carefully incorporate honor to our veterans while celebrating the contributions of Montanans to our country. The design should feel welcoming, timeless, and forward-looking, enhancing the bandshell's role as a space for performance, gathering, and reflection. Artists are encouraged to think creatively about how to capture the spirit of the space in a way that speaks to a broad audience.

The outer rings of the bandshell may remain in the current red, white, and blue scheme as a representation of patriotism, but artists may also propose a varying color scheme if it enhances the overall concept within the shell.

Applications must be received no later than 8am MST June 15, 2026. If there is not a successful applicant, the application period may be extended. For full details, see full request for proposal below under document library.

SOLICITATION SCHEDULE
Deadline for questions: 5:00 PM, April 22, 2026
Responses to questions posted: 5:00 PM, April 24, 2026
Submission deadline: 8:00 AM, June 15, 2026
HPAC submission review: June 17, 2026
Recommendation to City Commission: July 2026
Award and negotiation of contract: July 2026
Mural installation: August 2026 – October 2026
Mural must be completed no later than October 31, 2026

Document Library:

Full Request for Proposal (PDF, 459KB)
Submission Form (PDF, 354KB)
Bandshell Template (PDF, 1MB)

CONTACT
The city contact for the purposes of this RFP is:

City of Helena Community Facilities

c/o Bridget Johnston

316 N. Park Ave, Room 241

Helena MT 59623
bjohnston@helenamt.gov , 406-447-8399