Artists Wanted: COMHAR, Inc. Mural

The Porch Light Program & DBHIDS

The Porch Light Program is a joint initiative between Mural Arts Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). As a primary funding partner, DBHIDS enables Porch Light to use the mural-making process as a vehicle for recovery and social connection. By integrating clinicians, service providers like COMHAR, and community members into the creative process, we transform public spaces into symbols of resilience, specifically targeting areas with high health disparities to promote wellness and reduce stigma.

Project Overview

Mural Arts Philadelphia is seeking a lead artist to design and install a permanent mural on a COMHAR, Inc. facility in Kensington. COMHAR is a nonprofit leader providing a broad spectrum of integrated behavioral health, intellectual disability, HIV/AIDS, and home health services to children, adults, and the elderly. The mural will be situated on a COMHAR building, serving as a visual anchor for recovery and a reflection of the dignity of the individuals served by the organization.

We are first seeking an art educator who will offer recurring workshops to individuals with mental health diagnoses who are participating in rehabilitative programming at one of COMHAR’s CIRCs (Community Integrated Recovery Centers). Secondly, we are seeking a muralist to complete a public artwork that is co-created with COMHAR’s community. For this RFQ, we will consider applicants who are interested in 1.) only offering workshops at COMHAR, and 2.) leading both workshops and a mural project. We will prioritize finding an art educator who has lived experience or experience working with adults with mental illness or in recovery.

Background:

Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation’s largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For over 30 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative process, rooted in the traditions of mural-making, to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives.

The City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services seeks to educate, strengthen, and serve individuals and communities across Philadelphia, so that all Philadelphians can thrive. The vision of DBHIDS is of a Philadelphia where every individual can achieve health, well-being, and self-determination.

The Porch Light program, a joint collaboration with the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, focuses on achieving universal health and wellness among Philadelphians, especially those dealing with mental health issues or trauma.

Artist Qualifications & Selection Criteria

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Behavioral Health Literacy: Practical experience or a deep understanding of mental health, trauma-informed care, and the DBHIDS recovery-oriented model.
• Kensington Fluency: A deep awareness of the Kensington neighborhood’s unique history, strengths, and current social landscape.
• Integrated Service Awareness: The ability to engage with COMHAR’s diverse participant base—ranging from children to the elderly—and reflect their varied journeys.
• Spanish Fluency: Comfortably understanding and speaking the language without long pauses or constant translation.
• Collaborative & Facilitation Skills: Experience leading “Open Studio” sessions or community workshops where participants contribute to the design and painting process.
• Technical Excellence: A proven track record (minimum 2 years) of completing large-scale outdoor murals using high-quality materials (e.g., parachute cloth or direct-to-wall).

Scope of Work & Timeline

• Application Phase (Spring): Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2026.
• Engagement Phase (Late Spring/Summer): Facilitate 3–5 workshops with COMHAR staff, service users, and Kensington residents to gather input and build trust.
• Design Phase (Summer): Develop a concept that adheres to the Porch Light mission of promoting wellness and reducing stigma.
• Execution Phase (Fall): Full mural installation to be completed in Fall 2026, including a community “Paint Day” and a formal dedication ceremony.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WALL ONLY ALLOWS FOR CERTAIN PORTIONS TO HAVE A MURAL. THE PHOTO BELOW SHOWS THOSE RESTRICTIONS. THE ARTIST WILL BE ASKED TO BE CREATIVE IN DESIGN FOR A MURAL THAT IS NOT FULLY TAKING UP A WALL. 

Project Budget

The total all-inclusive budget for this project is $50,000/artist fee $16,000 for design and installation. This must cover:

• Artist & Assistant Fees: Design, engagement, and project management.
• Materials & Equipment: Paint, non-woven fabric, primer, and lift/scaffolding rentals.
• Administrative Costs: Insurance, permits, and professional documentation.

Submission Requirements

Interested artists must submit a single PDF containing the following:

1. Artist Statement of Intent (Required Prompt):

Social Practice & Mental Health Literacy: The Porch Light Program and DBHIDS prioritize the “process” of art-making as much as the final product. Please describe your experience (lived or professional) working with individuals facing behavioral health challenges or intellectual disabilities. How do you ensure your creative process remains trauma-informed and supportive of a recovery-oriented environment? (Max 500 words)

2. Portfolio: 5–10 images of relevant mural work, including locations and project budgets.

3. Resume/CV: Highlighting public art, social practice, and community engagement experience.

4. References: Contact info for two past clients (preferably nonprofit or community-based).

Submission Instructions:

Please submit materials electronically here.

Subject line: RFQ/RFP – COMHAR INC.