Beautifying Rapid City One Mural At A Time!

Rapid City, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is inviting South Dakota artists to submit proposals for two large-scale outdoor murals as part of Rapid City’s Downtown Beautification Project. This public art initiative seeks to transform Rapid City through murals that reflect the region’s natural beauty and community spirit.
The theme for these murals will be nature-themed, specifically nature that is in the surrounding Black Hills. The artist will be responsible for all wall preparation, paint, and materials, with the project completed by early July, weather permitting. Submissions must be sent by March 20, 2026 at 11:59pm. To learn more about this project visit our website at, rapidcityartscouncil.org/downtownmuralproject.

Locations A:
One of the murals will be installed in Art Alley on the south-facing wall located at the entry of
Art Alley off 6th Street in Downtown Rapid City.
Location B:
Announced Soon

Artist Eligibility:

  • Open to all artists or artist groups within South Dakota
  • Must be able to provide materials
  • Must have knowledge of mural installations
  • Experienced with public art or large-scale murals preferred.

Proposal Requirements:

  • Artist statement and biography
  • Artist CV
  • Photographs of previous public art installations or previous murals
  • Concept description and visual mock-up/sketch
  • Explanation of how the design aligns with the theme of nature and community values
  • Budget breakdown (including artist fees, material, equipment, anti-graffiti coating etc.)
  • Timeline for completion
  • Location A or B?

Email submissions to: Entries@thedahl.org Subject Line: Community Murals – [Your Last Name] with all accompanying documents. Proposals received later than 11:59pm on March 20 will not be considered.

The RCAC will select the two proposals that:

  • Most align with the theme of nature and community values
  • Technically feasible
  • Demonstrate a strong artistic vision
  • Connect well to Rapid City and the surrounding region

Important Dates:

  • Application Deadline: March 20, 2026, at 11:59pm
  • Artist Selection Announced: March 27, 2026, by 5:00pm
  • Installation Period: April 3 – July 17, 2026

To learn more about this project visit: rapidcityartscouncil.org/downtownmuralproject.