Help us create the newest attraction at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum with your original design for a vibrant, large-scale mural, set to debut in Summer 2026. This exciting project offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Detroit’s deep connection to the Great Lakes while contributing to a lasting piece of public art.
About the Project
The selected design will be translated into an eye-catching 32-foot-wide paint-by-number style mural on the west-facing wall of the museum on Belle Isle, facing The Strand. It will be painted as part of a collaborative community effort, bringing together volunteers to create a lasting and meaningful piece.
Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from Detroit’s rich maritime heritage and surrounding natural environment. Themes may include Great Lakes shipping and industry, fishing traditions, recreational boating, or the landscapes and wildlife that define our region. Submissions should reflect both creativity and a strong sense of place, capturing what makes Detroit’s relationship to the water so distinctive.
Who Should Enter
This call is open to artists living and working in Southeast Michigan. Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established creative, this is an opportunity to showcase your vision on a highly visible, public platform.
Artists are asked to submit an original, full-color design that can be adapted to a large-scale format. Designs should consider the mural’s horizontal proportions (approximately a 4:1 ratio) and be suitable for outdoor display. All entries must be original work.
The review process will consider artistic quality, relevance to the theme, and how effectively the design can translate into a large, collaborative mural.
Selection and Installation
The chosen artist will have their work accessioned into the collection of the Detroit Historical Society and receive a $3,500 stiped. They will also play a role in bringing the mural to life, with a chance to engage directly with the community during the painting process. Installation is planned for September 2026.
Submit Your Design Now
Submissions are due by June 1, 2026. Review the full criteria and submit your design here: detroithistorical.org/mural