Morton Theatre Mural Commission - Athens
Athens seeks artists 18+ to create murals inside the historic Morton Theatre. Deadline Feb 27, 2026. $200 finalist fee required.
The city of Athens is calling for artists to apply for mural commissions inside the historic Morton Theatre, located at the intersection of Hull Street and Washington Street in the "Hot Corner" African-American business district. This joint initiative involves the Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA), the Morton Theatre Corporation (MTC), and The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County (ACCGov).
The selected artist(s) will collaborate with government staff and stakeholders to create artwork celebrating the Morton Theatre's cultural contributions to downtown Athens. The theatre, erected in 1910 by Monroe Bowers "Pink" Morton, is one of the oldest surviving vaudeville theaters in the United States and has served as a center of African American culture for over 115 years.
Mural Location and Specifications:
The mural will be positioned in the Morton Theatre lower lobby. The larger interior wall measures 15 feet wide by 8 feet tall, with adjacent walls measuring 8 feet wide by 9 feet tall.
Eligibility and Requirements:
All artists aged 18 or older who are legal U.S. residents are eligible. Applications must include: name and contact information, resume highlighting relevant experience, contact information for at least three references, and three images of previous artwork at similar scale and budget.
Finalist Requirements:
Selected finalists must pay a $200 fee and submit comprehensive proposals within four weeks, including: artwork title and description, detailed images matching wall dimensions, comprehensive budget, and long-term maintenance plan.
Design Considerations:
Artwork should be original, enjoyable for all ages, and visible from multiple vantage points. The piece should reflect the Morton Theatre's role as a "social, performance and community space." All work must use Sherwin-Williams paint and require minimal maintenance.