CALL TO ARTISTS

Downtown Wooster Public Art Projects

The Square Alley Public Art Initiative is rooted in the belief that public art can help people feel seen, connected, and proud of where they live. Through community conversations and public surveys, residents described a desire for art that reflects Wooster’s people, stories, history, and natural character while also inspiring connection, pride, and shared experiences.

The Square Alley Public Art Initiative is rooted in the belief that public art can help people feel seen, connected, and proud of where they live. Through community conversations and public surveys, residents described a desire for art that reflects Wooster’s people, stories, history, and natural character while also creating opportunities for connection, pride, and shared experiences.

Artists are encouraged to create work that responds to this sense of optimism and transformation while honoring the authentic character of the area. Competitive proposals will help create spaces that invite people to linger, walk, gather, interact, and experience Downtown Wooster in new ways.

Community-Informed Design Priorities

Proposals should align with feedback gathered through community outreach. When asked what public art should reflect, respondents emphasized:

• Representation of Wooster’s cultural variety, including but not limited to local:
• History
• Institutions
• Entertainment
• Sports
• Education
• Industry
• Natural Resources

Main Street Wooster invites artists to apply for three public art opportunities located within the Downtown Wooster Arts District. Applicants may apply for one, two, or all three projects.



Project Timeline

• Application Deadline: Noon on  7/6/26
• Selected Applicants Notified: 7/17/26 Additional rounds of applications may be solicited if the selection panel and building owners cannot reach a consensus.
• Project Start: Summer 2026
• Installation Deadline: In accordance with application materials; no later than August 16, 2027.

Project 1: South Façade of 146 W South Street

Current home to Ride On Bicycles, future home to expanded Local Roots, a local foods market

Project 2: North Façade of 231 S Market Street

Current home to Wooster Appliance

This north-facing façade occupies a highly visible location along the key South Market Street thoroughfare. The site offers an opportunity for an eye-catching installation that enhances the pedestrian experience and reinforces the growing creative identity of Downtown Wooster.



• Surface: Painted Concrete Block
• Wall Dimensions: 80’ wide x 13’ high
• Mural dimensions & placement to be determined in collaboration with selected artist
• Budget: $8,000
• Special Considerations:
• Community involvement encouraged but not required
• Placement should be planned along the upper portion of the wall, with at least the majority of the mural to be seen above parked cars
• Windows and wall projections/ribs should be considered in the design and placement of the mural

Project 3: Square Alley Street Art

Square Alley is intended to become more than a passageway — it is envisioned as an engaging public space that invites people to walk, gather, pause, and experience the neighborhood differently. Community feedback emphasized a desire for art that is interactive, approachable, colorful, and created with public participation. Artists are encouraged to develop concepts that can be implemented collaboratively with residents and volunteers while remaining durable and maintainable over time.

• Surface: Asphalt
• Dimensions: 12”–24” width x approximately 400’ length (width may vary)
• Budget: $8,000
• Special Considerations:
• Community engagement is required for this project. Art may be step/repeat. Stencils, paint-by-numbers, or other techniques may be used to help community members produce a visually pleasing result. We have budgeted additional funds to provide water, snacks and t-shirts to community participants. Competitive applications will use imagery that may be easily touched up due to normal wear and tear of the roadway.