MLK Park Mural RFQ Announcement

---

The Friends of MLK, Downtown Davenport Partnership, and Quad City Arts are seeking the design and installation of a public mural to be created in Davenport, Iowa. The mural will be on the north-facing wall of the train bridge on the southeast corner of Brady St. and E. 5th St., across from the MLK Interpretive Center. This mural will be the first installation in a series of installations around the Center and park.

This mural project seeks to honor the resilience and vibrancy of Black Davenport in the late 1880’s through the early 1900s, focusing on the intersection of race, community, entertainment, and labor. Using archival imagery from the era, the artist should highlight daily life, entrepreneurship, and social gatherings in a style that emphasizes warmth and dignity for all.

This mural project is jointly undertaken by the Friends of MLK (FOMLK), Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), and Quad City Arts (QCA).

TIMELINE

• March 25, 2026 - All questions shall be submitted via email to [email protected]
• Monday, March 30, 2026 - Deadline for submissions at 9:00am online at form.jotform.com/260627026956159 or via email to [email protected].
• March 31-April 15, 2026 - Qualifications review, 3 finalists selected. Finalists to receive $500 stipend.
• May 2025 - Final designs submitted and selected. Selected artist to meet with mural selection committee to go over design, logistics, timeline, and budget.
• June 2025 - mural completed, subject to weather* 
  • This timeline will be agreed upon with the building owner and the artist, and weather pending.
  • Targeted completion deadline of June 18, with a dedication ceremony on June 19.

TO APPLY 
Email a PDF to [email protected] including the following information or submit online at form.jotform.com/260627026956159

• Name, phone number, email, and 2 references with contact info.
• Website, Instagram, or other online profiles, if applicable.
• Include 3-5 images of completed murals, including your most recent. Min. 900x900 jpg. No images embedded within PDFs, please.
• A brief bio about you as an artist and your process.

LEARN MORE & APPLY

CONTACT
​BEN GOUGEON, Director of Community Engagement
309.793.1213. ext. 100 | [email protected]