Lackawanna Station Mural Project – Essex County Artists

bdp holdings LLC & Studio Montclair invite Essex County artists to apply for an exciting opportunity
to paint murals at Lackawanna Station. As part of our commitment to supporting and showcasing
local talent, we have designated an area exclusively for artists based in Essex County.
Lackawanna Station is a playfully apt glimpse of what’s to come on a major redevelopment site in the
heart of downtown Montclair, NJ. Rather than let the property sit vacant for the years leading up to
development, bdp holdings would create a space where entrepreneurs of all shapes and sizes could
flourish and establish a footing in a unique setting. Small and micro businesses will populate the
former tenant spaces. Montclair Flea is doing giant markets in the former grocery store space, artists
of many disciplines are adorning our common area walls and corners with murals, sculpture, music
and dance, and local food systems are taking root. The space is open 7 days a week to the public
from 10am to 8pm and sees up to 5,000 people per weekend market day.

Eligibility:
This open call is exclusively for artists who reside in Essex County, NJ. We welcome applications from
experienced muralists as well as artists looking to expand into large-scale public art.

Details:
● No Theme – Artists have creative freedom
● Murals to be painted in Fall 2025
● Artists will receive a $1,500 honorarium (this covers all costs, including materials)
● A jury panel selected by Studio Montclair in accordance with public art best practices, will
review and choose the final artists
● Murals will be featured for a term of six (6) months.
● Mural size is 17 feet wide by 8 feet high.

How to Apply:
Submit your application via THIS LINK by June 12, 2025. Please include:
● A brief artist statement, maximum one page
● A mural concept, to include how this concept will respond to the Appropriateness Criteria listed below
● A short bio and resume to include public art mural experience
● Proof of Essex County residency
● Budget breakdown
● Timeline for completion
● Samples of your public art

Appropriateness Criteria is as follows:
● The work does not express any ‘ism’s, i.e. racism, classism, ageism, ableism, sexism, heterosexism, cissexism, size-ism, etc.
● The work is not vulgar, offensive, politically motivated, or contain gratuitous nudity
● The work is technically feasible and can be installed as proposed (Consider Budget, Timeline, Artist Experience)
● The work supports and improves the district’s quality and diversity of public art
● The work is appropriate in scale
● The work serves to anchor, activate, and enhance its site
● The work is relevant to the building or city, its values, culture, people

Don’t miss this chance to leave your mark on Montclair’s evolving arts district! For questions, contact
Phoebe Pollinger, Studio Montclair, pmpartinc@aol.com – Include “Lackawanna Murals” in the
subject.