2026 Public Space Invitational: Colorful Corners
The Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM), in partnership with the Streets Cabinet, invites designers to help make Boston’s streets safer, more vibrant, and more delightful.
SUBMISSION DUE DATE: March 30, 2026, AT 12:00 p.m. EST
We are seeking original 2D street paint mural designs to be featured at school-adjacent intersections and crosswalks throughout the city. This is an opportunity to turn "No Parking" zones into "Colorful Corners" that protect pedestrians and enhance neighborhood character.
The City will select up to ten (10) prototype designs for advancement to final production templates.
- Award: Up to $500 per selected design.
- Scope: This call is for design services only (installation is not included in this phase).
- Submission Limit: Designers may submit up to three (3) individual design prototypes.
- Impact: Selected designs will become ready-to-go templates for "no parking" areas at intersections across the City.
Before you submit, you must review the full Scope of Work here: Public Space Invitational - Colorful Coners
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Still have questions? Contact:
New Urban Mechanics
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1 City Hall Square
603Boston, MA 02201
Eligibility and Requirements
Check Your Eligibility
To be considered for this invitation, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission.
- Experience: You must demonstrate prior experience in public art, mural design, or large-scale outdoor visual media.
- Capacity: You must be able to meet an accelerated schedule for design iterations and final approvals.
review Design Requirements
To be eligible for selection, your prototype must follow these strict constraints (review the full scope of work for detailed requirements):
- Pre-approved Palette: Use 2–6 colors from the official PSI palette (see technical specs below).
- Adaptability: Designs must work across various intersection shapes and around infrastructure (utility grates, flexposts).
- White Perimeter: Designs must integrate with or fit within the standard white dashed traffic striping.
- Safety First: No letters, traffic-control symbols, or patterns that could confuse drivers. No logos or advertisements.
- Simplicity: Designs must be easy for volunteers to install and maintain.
Prepare Your Application
Review the Required Materials
You will be asked to provide the following in your digital submission:
- Relevant Experience: Explanation of your experience creating visual outdoor art.
- Design Approach: Your philosophy and how your work enhances safety.
- Portfolio: Examples of your previous visual art.
- Prototypes: Submission of up to three (3) unique street mural designs that meet the design requirements.
- Installation Overview: Your step-by-step instructions explaining how your design(s) would be implemented.
Apply Now
All submissions must be made through the official Google Form.
Please ensure your files are in PDF format and labeled as YourName_Prototype1.pdf, YourName_Prototype2.pdf, etc.
Note for Selected Designers: If your design is chosen, you must register as a City of Boston vendor via the Supplier Portal to receive payment.
QUESTIONS
EMAIL: Thaddeus Brown | thaddeus.brown@boston.gov
All questions should be emailed with “PUBLIC SPACE INVITATIONAL - COLORFUL CORNERS” in the subject line.
Timeline
| Milestones | Date |
|---|---|
| Submission Period | March 3, 2026 - March 31, 2026 |
| Review Period | March 31, 2026 - April 14, 2026 |
| Winners Notified | April 15, 2026 |
| Design Finalization Period | April 16, 2026 - May 12, 2026 |
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Still have questions? Contact:
New Urban Mechanics
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1 City Hall Square
603Boston, MA 02201
