The Project

Deep Ellum’s Art Park is celebrating 15 years in 2024! It  is a cultural enrichment project that uses the medium of publicly viewable art to inspire and educate tourists and locals alike to the culture and rich heritage that the Deep Ellum Neighborhood possesses. A project of The Deep Ellum Foundation, the rejuvenation of the Art Park will feature a series of new murals stretching from Main Street to Canton Street along Good Latimer Expressway in the historic neighborhood. Local artists will use their artistic skills to act as storytellers and transform the duality of historic structures and new construction into a Musical Art Garden Experience.  The project will be timed to coincide with this year’s Deep Ellum Block Party, a neighborhood-wide music festival on November 23.

Mural Series Concept Overview

The series of murals will be grounded in the concept of “new growth,” a nod to Deep Ellum’s creative ethos and history as a launchpad for entrepreneurs, artists and musicians. Individual structures will feature local music legends as a means to honor and “give flowers” to modern musicians making an impact in the neighborhood and City. The project will reflect on the unique character of the talent that is existing and living here in Deep Ellum. The goal of the Musical Art Garden Project is to celebrate and educate the public about Deep Ellum’s incomparable creative culture in the most beautiful way possible, inviting visitors to gather and be inspired through art. It is intended to be a tourist destination and cultural site for the district.

As this is a celebration of the musical arts and new growth in Deep Ellum, each mural within the series shall reflect the neighborhood, organic and garden elements, and music/local musicians in content and inspiration. As the series of murals must come together to embody one cohesive musical garden experience, we ask that you consider two to three topics that reflect our theme to include in your submission. Please note that all artist submissions will go through curatorial review and may receive requests for alterations to ensure each individual piece best fits within the overarching project. While artists may submit a range of concepts from whimsical patterns to natural scenes to portraiture, we do offer a list of important musicians which artists are strongly encouraged to consider featuring in their submissions (see MUSICIAN REFERENCE LIST below). If you need additional guidance on this, please contact us. 

Specifications & Artistic Designs

Each artist rendered section of the project is intended to reflect the unique theme of the exhibit and creativity of the artist. The artist may paint with exterior grade paint to the surface awarded, be it concrete, brick, stucco, steel or any other exterior surface at the park.  There may be no modifications made to the structures and no attached objects or signage shall be added to the artwork surface, excepting signage placed by the Deep Ellum Foundation. 

Artist Eligibility

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

(Note, students under the age of 19 from surrounding schools will have an opportunity and be engaged to participate in the Deep Ellum Musical Art Garden through means outside this application process on Saturday, November 23 at the Deep Ellum Block Party).

Guidelines

Please keep in mind that this mural project is outside, in the elements, and being viewed and touched by the public. All artists must work with appropriate paint and finishes to ensure the longevity of the artwork on the surface. We require paint colors formulated for the exterior and outdoor situations to reduce peeling and sun fading over time.  

• All surfaces will have a suitable primer provided by DEF and applied by the artist prior to beginning work.

• Please be sensitive to the fact that these murals are fully accessible to a wide spectrum of people, including children; therefore, your design must be suitable for public display.

• Designs that are religious, political, violent, or sexual in nature will not be accepted. Additionally, neither corporate logos nor advertising is allowed.

• DEF and the selection committee comprised of local stakeholders will review all designs to ensure they conform to the intent of the project and these guidelines. If a design materially changes from the original proposal, the changes must be resubmitted to DEF for review before the artist’s process can continue. DEF retains the right to remove a mural in its sole discretion based upon safety, legal or other concerns as may arise.

Fill out the application form here!