Art in Unexpected Places

About the Initiative

Art in Unexpected Places is a public art initiative that brings visual art and poetry into everyday spaces across the Near Eastside of Indianapolis. Through storefront murals, crosswalk art, poetry installations, and other creative interventions, the program transforms ordinary neighborhood spaces into moments of discovery, reflection, and inspiration.

Led by IndyEast Arts Cultural District and supported by the John Boner Neighborhood Centers and the City of Indianapolis, the initiative highlights the work of local artists while strengthening the cultural identity of the Near Eastside. Installations will appear in locations such as vacant storefronts, chain-link fences, sidewalks, crosswalks, and alleyways—creating a walkable outdoor gallery throughout the district.

The program prioritizes artists who live in Marion County, with special encouragement for those connected to the Near Eastside community.

Call for Artists - Visual & Literary

IndyEast Arts is seeking submissions from visual artists and literary artists (poets) for the 2026 Art in Unexpected Places program. Selected works will be reproduced and installed across the Near Eastside as part of a growing public art network.

There is no single theme for submissions—artists are encouraged to share work that reflects their creativity, perspective, and artistic voice. Artworks will be selected based on artistic quality, relevance for public spaces, and their ability to engage community audiences.

Submissions will be reviewed for artistic quality, suitability for public spaces, and their ability to engage community audiences. Selected artworks will be presented for community voting at a First Friday event in May at Factory Arts District, with final selections informed by voting results, site compatibility, and program needs.

Click here to download the opportunity overview.

Apply Today

Opportunities available:

  • Visual Artists

    • Storefront Vinyl Mural Opportunity

    • Crosswalk Mural Design and Installation Opportunities

  • Literary Artists/Poets

    • Poetry Opportunity

Key Dates

  • Call Released: March 11, 2026

  • Application Deadline: April 18, 2026 (11:59 PM)

  • Community Voting: May 1, 2026 – Factory Arts District

  • Artist Notifications: By May 30, 2026

  • Installation Period: June – August 2026

  • IndyEast Art Walk: September 4, 2026

Most installations will remain on view through 2027 and potentially into 2028

Opportunities for Visual Artists

Storefront Vinyl Mural Opportunity

Visual artists may submit existing artworks to be reproduced as large-scale vinyl murals installed in storefront windows and other outdoor locations.

Submission Details

  • Submit up to five existing artworks

  • Artwork should be appropriate for all-ages public viewing

  • Images should be high quality, with a high-resolution file available if selected

  • Horizontal images are preferred for installation formats

Compensation

  • $250 licensing fee per artwork used

Murals will be installed along 10th Street between Mass Ave and Sherman Drive, Brookside Parkway, Michigan Street, and other locations throughout the district as new sites become available.

Crosswalk Mural Design Opportunity

Artists may also submit up to 3 design concepts for creative crosswalk murals that incorporate simple patterns or bold color blocks. Selected artists will help guide community members in installing the artwork. (2 available.)

Submission Details

  • Submit up to three new OR existing artworks

  • Artwork should be appropriate for all-ages public viewing

  • Artwork be simple and able to be painted on to crosswalk.

Compensation

  • $500 design fee

  • $1,500 implementation fee for assisting with installation and community participation

Opportunities for Literary Artists

Poetry Opportunity

Poets and literary artists are invited to submit original poems to be transformed into visual installations within the district.

Selected works will be designed and formatted by a project graphic designer and installed alongside visual artworks throughout the neighborhood.

Submission Details

  • Submit up to five short poems

  • Poems must be 20 lines or fewer

  • Work may be published or unpublished

  • Submissions may be written in any language (English translation required)  

Eligibility

Artists must:

  • Be 18 years or older (youth may apply with a contracting guardian)

  • Reside in Marion County

  • Own the copyright to the submitted work

Artists connected to the Near Eastside community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility

Artists must:

  • Be 18 years or older (youth may apply with a contracting guardian)

  • Reside in Marion County

  • Own the copyright to the submitted work

Artists connected to the Near Eastside community are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Artists may submit visual artwork, poetry, crosswalk designs, or a combination of these opportunities. Applications must be submitted through the official online application form.

Apply Here: https://jbncenters.formstack.com/forms/art_in_unexpected_places_artist_application

For questions or assistance with submissions, contact:
Primrose Paul
ppaul@jbncenters.org