New City Guide, Bringing Murals to Minneapolis

For artists, community members and businesses

In conjunction with the completion of the Hi-Lake Mural, the City has released a new guide for developing murals.

It includes:

• Clear, easy-to-follow information on how to plan and complete mural projects
• Information about when and how to work with the City
• Resources and tools to make your mural vision come to life.

Read the Mural Guidelines

Applications are accepted and reviewed every month on a first-come, first-served basis. Approvals generally take two months, depending on the applicant’s preparedness and the number of permits that have been submitted. Please plan accordingly. Installation may not occur until permits are issued. Application review meetings are open to the public:

• Public Art Advisory Panel – First Wednesday of the month, 3:30-5:00 p.m. (applicants may be asked to be at this meeting and available for questions.)
• The Minneapolis Arts Commission – Third Wednesday of the month, 5:30-7:00 p.m. 

Here are important considerations when applying for a public art permit.

1. Read the Instructions and Guidelines

2. Contact us early in your planning process
   Learn about your desired location’s eligibility, the related policies, and timeline by contacting Talia Moorman. 

3. Determine the Property Owner at your desired location
   All art projects on City Property, in the Right of Way (streets and sidewalks), or on the Midtown Greenway must go through this public art permitting process. Complete an eligibility request to determine the property owner

4. Get support from and involve the local community
   Every project should involve the neighborhood, community organization, and or special service district where the project is located. This could include involving the community in developing the design, creating aspects of the artwork, asking them to sponsor the project, or including information in newsletters or social media.  

5. Pick an artist
   An artist is required to be involved and be paid a fair stipend. It is highly recommended that artists are selected through an open call. All projects should respect artists copyrights and provide adequate credit. Artists initiating projects should reach out to community organizations for sponsorship.

6. Choose the materials
   Materials should be able to withstand the Minnesota climate. The designs and materials should be safe for children, the community, people with disabilities, and the environment. Consider how easy the materials are to maintain or replace if the art is vandalized or damaged.

8. Consider the timing of your project
   The permitting process takes at least two months and may take longer depending on the timing and the applicant’s preparedness.
   
   It is recommended that paint the pavement projects be installed in the spring after spring street sweeps for the best and longest lasting results. Street sweeps occur in May and October and winter plowing will partially remove paint on the pavement.

   Utility box wrap installations are limited to temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is usually April to October.

Interested applicants are encouraged to read the instructions thoroughly prior to completing the application forms below. The instructions outline the guidelines, steps, and criteria.

Public Art Permit Instructions

Application forms

• Utility Box Information Table (required to submit a utility box eligibility request)
• Arts Commission Application
• VARA Artist Waiver
• Art Consent Form
• Encroachment Permit Form
• Obstruction Permit

Applications are accepted year-round, and these designs have been pre-approved by the Minneapolis Arts Commission for use through 2025.

• Art Wraps instructions
• Minneapolis Art Wraps Look Book

Application forms

• Utility Box Information Table (required to submit a utility box eligibility request)
• Art Wraps Application Form
• Design Selection Table
• Art Consent Form
• Encroachment Permit
• Obstruction Permit

This section shares examples to help with various aspects of the application process and other helpful tools for preparing your application.

Examples

Public Art Permit Examples

Sample Application Supporting Documentation:

• Site Plan & Context Photo
• Design Rendering
• Utility Box Design Layout & Context Photo
• Letter of Support
• VARA Artist Waiver
• Certificate of General Liability
• Letter of Credit
• Greenway Mural Application

Helpful Tools

Property Owner Eligibility:

• Hennepin County Interactive Map: Zoom to your desired location and click on it to see information on the property owner.
• State Road Map  – Marked Roads Are NOT Eligible
• Traffic Signals Map (locations of City utility boxes)

Eligible Organizations or Sponsors:

• Community & Neighborhood Organizations
• Special Service Districts

Artist Selection – Call for Artist Examples:

• Active City Calls for Artists

Materials Resources:

• Art Material Business Guidance
• Art and Craft Safety Guide

More information on the Right of Way:

• Understanding Right of Way (ROW) – Encroachment permit website