Call For Street Art Concepts

Beacon Hill Retail District Bulbouts

Location: 1802 Blanco Road, San Antonio, TX
Deadline for Submittal: October 12, 2025

ActivateSA, in partnership with Beacon Hill, is inviting artists to submit designs for a street art mural at the intersection of Blanco Road and Elsmere Ave.

At the heart of Beacon Hill’s vibrant Blanco Road business district, this project is intended to:

  • Improve safety by increasing visibility of pedestrian spaces
  • Promote a more walkable and welcoming public realm
  • Encourage drivers to slow down and be alert to pedestrians and cyclists
  • Bring the community together through artist-led public art

Background

ActivateSA and Beacon Hill community members are working with local authorities to improve walkability and safety. A 2024 walk audit of Blanco Road identified over 110 concerns, and a 2025 Walkable Community Workshop conducted by the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization compiled community-sourced feedback on areas that could use safety, mobility, and accessibility improvements. The Blanco Road and Elsmere intersection stood out as a busy pedestrian destination in need of improvement. Due to these initiatives, ActivateSA was selected to receive a 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant from AARP Livable Communities with funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America in order to execute this project.

IMPORTANT:
  • **New** Artists are advised to limit the total number of colors in their designs to four colors.
  • **New** Simpler designs are most feasible (repeated patterns & large color swaths)
  • Artist must be willing to modify or simplify the design concept as we finalize the specific dimensions of the approved area.
  • Multiple designs may be submitted.

The mural will be located on four bulb-out areas at the intersection of Blanco Road and Elsmere Ave. The image below shows the approved canvas with approximate dimensions. Artists should use this as a reference when preparing their design concepts.


Here are a few examples of street murals from other communities to illustrate scale and style. Your design does not need to resemble these examples. Artists are encouraged to create something original that reflects the character of Beacon Hill

Image Source: Seattle Department of Transportation, Flickr Album

Project Details

  • Canvas: Four “bulb-out” areas of painted asphalt
  • Total Size: ~700 sq. ft.
  • Execution: Design must be feasible for completion within 6 hours with support from community volunteers. Simpler designs are preferable (repeatable patterns or shapes, <5 colors and large swaths of color).
  • Materials: Paints suitable for asphalt application; stencils may be incorporated
    • ActivateSA will order the paints, a variety that is approved by CoSA. 
  • Artist Stipend: The selected artist or artist team will receive a stipend of $1,000 for their contributions
  • Support: ActivateSA and Beacon Hill will manage volunteer recruitment, road closure and permitting

Selection Process

A committee of Beacon Hill residents will review submissions and select a design that reflects the character of the neighborhood and the spirit of the project. ActivateSA will ensure compliance with city regulations and guidelines for public art.

Artist Expectations

  • Provide a design concept for the street mural
  • Produce the design outlines onto the approved area
  • Direct volunteers in the painting process 
  • Work with community members to execute the street art in a collaborative manner 

Timeline

  • Call for Artists Released: September 16, 2025
  • Submission Deadline: October 12, 2025
  • Selection Announcement: October 20, 2025
  • Painting Day: Sometime between November 15 and December 15, 2025

How to Apply

Please submit the following:
  • Artist bio & statement of interest (500 words maximum) describing your interest in this project and connection to public art and/or Beacon Hill
  • Concept sketch(es) or design proposal for the mural. Designs must reproduce to scale.
  • 1–3 work samples showcasing relevant past projects.

File Formats: PNG, JPG, or PDF

Restrictions: No trademarks, logos, commercial themes, religious or political symbols, depictions of violence, or obscenities.

Proposals may be submitted online only.
Entries are due no later than Saturday, October 12, 2025 by midnight (CST).

Submission

Deadline: Saturday, October 12, 2025 (midnight CST)
Questions: Email contact @ activatesa.org

Thank you for your interest in this project! We look forward to seeing your original ideas.