Call for Artists:

Celebrate “New Growth” on Deep Ellum's Streetlight Pole Banners 

Deep Ellum Streetlight Pole Banners Overview

More than 200 streetlights in Deep Ellum carry the work of local artists on banners that celebrate the neighborhood by reflecting the history, community and creative spirit of the area.

New streetlight pole banners are featured two to three times per year. The current banners feature our #DeepEllumPeople campaign. The next round is an exciting opportunity for any local artist to submit for the “New Growth” theme. 

About the Opportunity

The Deep Ellum Foundation will work with local artists to curate a collection of banners on the theme of “New Growth.” This call for artists will allow any local artist to submit an application to be voted on by a committee of Deep Ellum stakeholders. 

Thematic Inspiration: With spring around the corner, we aim to adorn Deep Ellum streets with beautiful artworks related to the theme of “new growth.” Though a historic neighborhood, one of the only things that is constant about Deep Ellum is that it is always changing and growing. It is this dynamic, iterative, creative nature and culture of the Deep Ellum neighborhood that many believe has helped it thrive for over 150 years and, at times, even overcome downturns. Artists and creatives of all stripes have been a huge part of this strong entrepreneurial and creative ethos whether visual artists, musicians etc. Works submitted should be inspired by the theme and may portray literal or figurative concepts related to new growth. For example, plant life, greenery, flora, fauna, water, sunshine, other organic matter and vibrant colors may be referenced. 

Local artists are invited to submit designs inspired by renewal, nature, and creativity. Think plants, sunshine, water, or the ever-changing spirit of Deep Ellum

These forthcoming banners continue a celebration begun last fall with the unveiling of the Deep Ellum Musical Art Garden. The art park was refreshed for the first time in 15 years with beautiful new murals featuring Dallas musicians who have grown in Deep Ellum. As such, submitted works celebrating local musicians, artists and creatives as well as nature as part of the new growth theme are also welcome. 

Medium Notes: 

While graphically designed pieces and other digital representations may be submitted, painted works are strongly encouraged (as a nod to Deep Ellum’s strong mural culture and the recent rehabilitation of the Deep Ellum Musical Art Garden) as well as other works done by hand (reflecting the organic theme). 

The Specifics: 

• Artist will submit a high-resolution, digital copy of a 24”x 49” piece of artwork reflecting the thematic inspiration as stated above. 

• The artwork may have a small artist signature in the bottom corner of the piece. 

• Please include the wording “Deep Ellum” somewhere within the design, as these banners are promotional for the neighborhood as a whole and are a place-making marketing tool. 

• Please also include the wording “est. 1873” somewhere on the banner or leave appropriate space for DEF to add this language to the design submitted. 

• Although the banner size is 24”x49” the primary design must fit within 20"x43" to avoid being cut-off when printed. (Download this PDF for specific guidance so the bleed matches your art.) 

• Other promotional logos, ads, language, etc. are NOT PERMITTED directly on Deep Ellum Public Improvement District banners (per agreement with the City of Dallas that the local banners be used strictly for district identification). 

• The Deep Ellum Foundation may request other language incorporated within the design be removed, if need be, to ensure cohesion of the designs. 

• The Deep Ellum Foundation will print and install the banners to be displayed for no less than 3 months in 2025 with the option to re-display the banners in future years.

Artist Eligibility

Eligible artists must be 19 years or older. Artists who reside in Dallas, Deep Ellum and/or have history in, as well as knowledge, of Deep Ellum are preferred. 

Artist Compensation

Each selected artist will receive $300 for their design. 

 Submission Requirements

1. A PDF or image of the artist’s proposed design for the street pole banner. This may be a draft work to be finalized, if selected. (There’s a preference for two design options to be submitted per artist with one ultimately being finalized and showcased). Submit via email.

2. A brief description shared of the inspiration for the piece and artist’s experience in Deep Ellum including how Deep Ellum has impacted your career as an artist and as a creative, if applicable (to be filled out via our online form).

3. Artist bio or resume (to be filled out via our online form). 

4. Artist headshot (preferred, not required). Submit via email.

Fill out our online interest form and email your artwork submission to Stephanie@deepellumtexas.com 

by 12 a.m. midnight, Tuesday February 25, 2025 

with the subject line “New Growth Banner Submission.”