Orpheum 1st Street Mural Project

Project Summary

The Orpheum Theatre seeks an artist (or artist team) who lives, works, or has a connection to Wichita, Kansas to create a digital print mural for the Orpheum 1^st Street Mural Project.

The artwork will be displayed for 5 years in the billboard space on the 1^st Street side of the Orpheum Theatre exterior, so please keep that in mind when considering your design.

This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will consist of a two-part process, with Phase 1 due on June 28, 2026 (Phase 1 – Submission Period). Up to three (3) Finalists will be selected to move on to Phase 2 and will receive a $500 stipend to prepare a print ready design by August 3, 2026. Artists/artist teams are not required to have previously completed a public art project, but successful applicants need to demonstrate their ability to complete the project. The final selected artist/team will receive a $1,000 commission.

Project Theme

Built in 1922 and designed by architect John Eberson, the Orpheum Theatre is the first atmospheric theatre built in the United States. The Orpheum Theatre’s interior is reminiscent of an Andalusian garden and starlit sky.

We are looking for artwork that celebrates performing arts, film, diversity, and culture, keeping in mind the Orpheum’s 104-year history and its place in the community as we continue into our Second Century. We encourage bold colors and designs that will create a unique and vibrant backdrop for visitors and community members both in person and through photography.

Eligibility

The Orpheum 1^st Street Mural Project RFQ presented by Orpheum Performing Arts Centre, LTD. is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years old (“Entrant”) or who are parents or legal guardians of a child who is a student in Kindergarten through Twelfth grade at the time of entering.  Eligible entries are those created by the Entrant’s child (the “Artist”).  Void in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, all other U.S. territories and possessions, and where prohibited by law.

Submissions for both phases must be the sole work of the entrant. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for generating images, text, or design components is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.

Phase 1: Application

Phase 1 application window is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted their qualifications, we are actively reviewing and will notify finalists by the end of the week.

Phase 2: Finalists

All Artwork received during the Phase 2 Submission Period will be subjectively judged by the Orpheum 1^st Street Mural Project committee based on the following criteria:

• Creativity
• Enthusiasm for the Orpheum Theatre as a historic and iconic landmark in the heart of downtown Wichita
• How well the artwork conveys the project theme

The Artwork must be in CMYK color and submitted digitally, preferably in vector form that can scale to 116”x60” or at the 116”x60” size. Artwork must be at minimum 300 DPI resolution. The formats accepted are EPS, PDF, and TIFF. Finished piece will be printed on polymetal and mounted by City Blue Print.

Timeline

• Phase 1
  June 28, 2026, 11:59pm (CDT): Submissions Deadline
  July 1, 2026: Finalists’ notification (invitation to submit full proposals)
• Phase 2
  August 3, 2026: Finalist Full Proposals Due
  August 5, 2026: Selected Artist/Team Notified
  August 17, 2026: Final Art Ready for Printing
  Late August/Early September TBD: Public Reveal Celebration

Instructions To Submit Your Application

1. Read full RFQ details before submitting.
2. Read the full official rules before submitting.
3. Submit your application and make your mark at the Orpheum Theatre!