Mural Open Call

 

Montego Bay – Past, Present & Future

 

Artists are invited to create a third mural in the city. Kingston Creative is partnering with the Doctors Cave Bathing Club to develop a new mural in the city of Montego Bay. This will be the third mural in a series that will serve as a catalyst for development of cultural tourism in the Sam Sharpe Square.

The Mobay Creative Mural Open Call invites talented visual artists residing within the Cornwall region of Jamaica to submit original mural designs/concepts and sketches that capture the vibrant spirit of the city of Montego Bay.

Design Theme is: “Montego Bay – Past, Present & Future”

The mural designs should be bold, expressive, and culturally rich compositions that celebrate the diverse identity of Montego Bay and the Western region of Jamaica. The murals should depict history, contemporary culture which may include dance, music, food, religion, people, industry, flora, fauna, folklore and storytelling.

In exploring the theme of “Past, Present and Future”, artists are encouraged to focus on one of the time periods in their design, then explore sub-themes such as:

-Everyday life and diverse community expressions in the West

-Subcultures and creative expressions unique to the West

-Local folklore, traditions, and festivals

-Flora and fauna of the Western parishes (Cornwall region)

-Culture (eg. Music, dance, cuisine, and fashion) from the region

-Historic events, Youth culture, Rastafari, Maroon heritage, and other cultural heritage.

 

Eligibility & Compensation

Artists must be Jamaican residents or citizens. Preference will be given to artists that reside within the Cornwall region. Submitted designs must be fully rendered and in colour. Incomplete sketches or unfinished designs will not be considered. Lead artists will be compensated at a rate of JMD $1,200 per square ft.

 

 Deadline for Application

The deadline for submissions will be on May 24, 2025, at midnight. The selected Artist will be notified of selection by May 29, 2026. The mural is to be executed in the first 2 weeks of June 2026.

Mural Open Call

 

The Abilities Foundation Mural | Open Call for Submission

 

Kingston Creative is partnering with the Abilities Foundation and The Digicel Foundation to create a new mural within the corporate area.

About the Abilities Foundation

The Abilities Foundation is a registered voluntary organization and a Community-Based Training Institution with Heart Trust/NTA.

The Foundation’s establishment in October, 5, 1992 was greatly influenced by the lobbying effort of members of the disabled community in Jamaica who recognized the need for a specialized vocational education and training programs to serve all types of disabilities. Its existence is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Heart Trust NTA and a number of agencies of and for persons with disabilities.

The programs offered by the foundation allows members from different communities in Jamaica to teach them about entrepreneurial training which may include money awareness, money management, leadership development, business plan development and customer service skill training.

Others programs include Vocational training to prepare individuals for housekeeping, furniture making, data operations, design and decor, horticulture and landscaping, cosmetology and other support services.

 

Project Context & Vision

This mural is part of a broader green infrastructure initiative anchored by rain gardens and bioswales implemented by the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica and Island City Labs. These nature-based solutions manage and support local biodiversity and transform urban spaces into thriving ecosystems.

The mural will serve as the visual centerpiece of a space designed to be a wellness destination. A place where community members and students can walk, reflect, and reconnect with nature. It will also function as a living classroom, welcoming schools and youth groups to learn about environmental stewardship, sustainability, and what is possible when community, creativity, and purpose come together.

 

Design Direction

The mural should reflect the living, breathing ecosystem being cultivated at the Abilities Foundation. A landscape where water is guided gently, plants grow purposefully and people are welcomed into nature.

The vision tone of the mural should feel vibrant with the use of saturated and joyful colours that celebrate Caribbean biodiversity. The mural should feel alive with the dynamic forms that suggest growth movement and energy, while containing imagery that communicates healing and flourishing lands rooted in the Jamaican landscape.

 

Suggested Visual Elements

The following elements are offered as inspiration. Artists are encouraged to interpret these creatively:

• Water & Flow, bioswales, rain paths, streams; using water as a life – giving, guidance force.
• Native flora (tropical plants) flowering species, grasses, ferns; Jamaica’s botanical richness.
• Wildlife Birds, butterflies, bees; creatures that reflect healthy and thriving ecosystems.
• Sky light, sunrays, clouds, open skies; a sense of expansiveness and aspiration.
• Diverse human figures that show inclusion and joy; people of all abilities engage with nature.

 

Community & Purpose

Beyond the natural world, the mural should subtly communicate the human story behind this space:

The power of community coming together around a shared vision

Creativity as a tool for environmental change

Hope, restoration, and the possibility of a greener future

The mural will be viewed by daily walkers, community residents, and visiting school groups, as such the design should resonate across ages and backgrounds

It should complement, not compete with, the surrounding greenery and rain garden features

The space is designed for quiet reflection and active learning and the mural should support both moods.

 

Intellectual Property

The selected design will be commissioned for execution. The Client will retain rights for public display and reproduction, with appropriate credit given to the Artist.

Submission Requirements

Artists are invited to submit a concept proposal that includes:

Full-Colour Mural Design

Completed artwork (digital or traditional)

Pencil sketches will not be accepted

Artist Statement (max 300 words)

Concept explanation

How the design reflects the theme

Artist Bio (max 150 words)

Portfolio (optional but encouraged)

Eligibility & Compensation

Artists must be Jamaican residents or citizens.

Submitted designs must be completely rendered and in colour. Incomplete or unfinished designs may not be considered. All artistic styles are welcome with each submission including a full design that can be done either traditionally, digitally or both.

It is strongly recommended for artists to have their designs digitally imposed onto the image of the wall provided at the end of the form during their submissions. Artists are also welcome to visit the location provided.

Artists will be compensated with a total amount of JMD $500,000.00 with an expected painting time of 20 days to complete the mural.

 

Deadline for application

The deadline for the submissions will be on June 8, 2026 at midnight.

The selected artist will be notified no later than June 12, 2026.