Downtown Norfolk is the vibrant and welcoming heart of the city - where people, culture, and commerce intersect. The Downtown Norfolk Council (DNC) works at the center of that energy, shaping dynamic public spaces and enhancing the Downtown experience through placemaking, public art, and community-driven programming.
DNC strengthens Downtown Norfolk by creating clean, safe, and inviting environments while supporting authentic urban experiences that reflect the city’s character. Through collaboration with artists, businesses, residents, and city partners, DNC activates streets, sidewalks, and shared spaces to spark connection, creativity, and civic pride.
DNC also manages the NEON District (New Energy of Norfolk), Norfolk’s official arts district. NEON is a creative neighborhood that connects major cultural institutions with a grassroots community of artists, makers, and performers. Anchored by the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Harrison Opera House, the district includes artist studios, independent local businesses, and more than 100 works of permanent public art. The NEON District plays a central role in Norfolk’s arts and cultural landscape. Learn more at www.neonnfk.com or follow @neonnfk on social media.
Through public art, events, and intentional design of the public realm, DNC is committed to building inclusive, joyful, and culturally rich spaces that celebrate Norfolk’s past while imagining its future.
Downtown Norfolk Council is seeking an artist or designer to create a large-scale graphic for The Plot, a public space in the NEON District. As we transition into NEON Nights, we are working to freshen up The Plot and create a more vibrant, recognizable visual presence for the space.
The selected design will become a long-term feature of The Plot, with an anticipated lifespan of 10 years or longer. The artwork will be printed on vinyl and installed on a metal sign, creating a highly visible graphic that will become part of the space for years to come.
Scope of Work
We are looking for a creative interpretation of The Plot's existing visual identity. The design MUST be a variation of The Plot logo and must be immediately recognizable as The Plot. Artists are encouraged to bring their own creative perspective to the existing identity while creating something bold, fresh, and visually engaging.
This is an opportunity to help shape the look and feel of The Plot as we enter its next chapter within the NEON District.
Design Specifications
- Final size: 195" wide × 98" high
- Orientation: Horizontal
- Material: Vinyl graphic installed on metal
- Design: Must be a variation of The Plot logo
- Recognition: The finished graphic must be immediately identifiable as The Plot
- Lifespan: The sign is expected to remain in place for 10 years or longer
- File: Digital, high-resolution artwork suitable for large-format printing
- Final artwork: Must be submitted in a professional, print-ready format
Artists should design with the final physical scale and viewing distance in mind. The finished graphic will measure approximately 16.25 feet wide by 8.2 feet high, so the design should be bold, legible, and impactful at a large scale.
Eligible Applicants
This opportunity is open to artists, graphic designers, illustrators, and creatives interested in public art, environmental graphics, or large-scale design.
Experience with large-format printing, murals, public art, or environmental graphics is encouraged but not required.
Submission Requirements
Applicants should submit:
- Design concept – A digital rendering or mockup of the proposed design.
- Brief concept description – A short explanation of the design and how it incorporates or reinterprets The Plot logo.
- Artist bio – A brief introduction to your creative practice.
- Portfolio – Examples of previous work, particularly graphic design, public art, illustration, murals, or other large-scale work.
The selected artist will be required to provide the final artwork as a high-resolution, print-ready digital file (details to follow).
Artist Stipend
The selected artist will receive a $1,000 stipend for the design.
The $1,000 stipend covers the development of the concept, revisions to the selected design, and delivery of the final approved artwork. Printing, fabrication, and installation costs will be covered separately by Downtown Norfolk Council.
Submission Fee
A $10 non-refundable submission fee is required to apply. The submission fee helps support the administration of the open call and review process.
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Connection to The Plot: The design must clearly incorporate and reinterpret the existing Plot logo.
- Creativity: A fresh and compelling artistic interpretation of The Plot's visual identity.
- Visual impact: The design should be bold and engaging on a large scale.
- Longevity: The concept should remain visually relevant and effective for a sign expected to be displayed for 10 years or longer.
- Large-scale application: The design should be translated effectively to a 195" × 98" vinyl installation.
- Overall quality: Strong composition, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Downtown Norfolk Council may request reasonable revisions to the selected concept to ensure the final artwork meets production and installation requirements.
Considerations
The selected design will be a long-term installation at The Plot, so artists should consider how their work will function within the space over time. Designs should avoid trends or elements that may quickly become dated while still feeling fresh and contemporary.
The Plot logo and applicable brand assets will be provided to artists for use in developing their concepts. Artists should create their designs using appropriate resolution and file specifications for professional vinyl printing.
How to Apply
Submit your application, $10 submission fee, and required digital materials by Wednesday, September 16th through the Submittable Link. Questions about the open call may be directed to Tyler Collins, tcollins@downtownnorfolk.org.