Norfolk’s first official arts district, NEON (New Energy of Norfolk), is home to long-time cultural institutions like the Chrysler Museum of Art and Harrison Opera House as well as studio-based ventures like d’Art Center and the Rutter Family Art Foundation, all providing artists a place to make, create and show. Within a few short blocks you can see a muralist at work, take in an improv comedy performance at Push Comedy Theater, watch a live glass-working demonstration, shop for unique home goods, get a tattoo or dine out at an eclectic restaurant. Learn more at www.NEONNFK.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @neonnfk.
The NEON District is seeking artists to complete a large-scale public art project in advance of this year’s 10th Annual NEON Festival, on October 16 and 17, 2025. Located on the recently opened Fusion at NEON multifamily development, the project will add to the art and landscaping improvements along the western edge of the NEON District. Fusion at NEON has added hundreds of new residents to the neighborhood, within walking distance of cultural landmarks like Chrysler Museum and Glass Studio, d’Art Center and Harrison Opera House.
Inspired by the scientific phenomenon of nuclear fusion—where atoms collide, merge, and transform—this public art project invites artists to explore bold interpretations of synthesis, chemistry, energy, and connection. At the heart of stars and the core of creation, fusion is the process of combining elements to release energy, light, and new possibilities, exactly what the NEON District has been striving towards for a decade.
Installed at the base of the Fusion at NEON, 13 inset panels were designed as a platform for vibrant, high-impact artworks. We invite artists to submit mural designs that interpret the theme broadly—think molecules colliding, the periodic table reimagined, reactions sparking new forms, or abstract representations of dynamic movement and transformation. It is a call for bold, vibrant, and loud work that depicts what happens when forces combine.
This project is presented in partnership with Fusion property ownership. All designs will be subject to review by both the property owner and the NEON District Public Art Committee. Artwork should be suitable for public display and must not include political, religious, or offensive content. Artists should expect to collaborate on design refinements as needed.
LOCATION
Fusion at NEON is located at 225 W. Olney Road. The panels are located on the ground floor at street level along Boush Street, Grace Street, Olney Road and Duke Street. For exact location and images click here.
SCOPE OF WORK
- Artist(s) can propose up to 2 designs for a panel
- Artist(s) can be selected for up to 2 panels
- There are 13 panels and each measures 5’ x 10’
- Project must be completed by September 30, 2025.
- Panel assignments will be made by the NEON Public Art Committee.
- 5 year display period
- Artists will need to work closely with Fusion property management on their painting schedule, on-site parking and other logistical details. Facilities are also available at d’Art Center as needed.
BUDGET
$1,000 stipend per panel.
TIMELINE
- Open call goes live on Friday, May 30, 2025
- Open call closes Sunday, June 22 at 11:59pm
- Artists will notified by Monday, June 30, 2025
- Work should be scheduled July-September 2025
- Murals must be completed by September 30, 2025
APPLY
There is no fee to apply. Artists must provide the following in the application:
- Basic contact information
- Brief description of the work
- Drawing or rendering of proposed work
Please note that if you submit an application as a team, there will be one stipend and a lead artist must be identified. If selected for a project, you will be required to provide the Downtown Norfolk Council a W9 tax identification form and an artist grant application.