Artist Opportunities
Raise Up Southside Gateway Community Park Mural Lorain
Raise Up, working alongside FireFish Arts, is seeking proposals for a significant public art installation at South Lorain Community Park in Ohio. This project features a permanent triptych—a series of three distinct yet connected artworks—digitally rendered onto durable metal panels.
The initiative aims to honor the unique heritage, traditions, and lived experiences of South Lorain while showcasing the community’s enduring spirit and pride.
About the Local Community: South Lorain is a diverse and spirited neighborhood with a rich history shaped by its multi-generational immigrant population and strong cultural bonds.
We invite artists to submit designs that are meaningful and deeply resonate with the history and people of this area.
Project Specifications:
Chosen artists will develop original designs for:- Three individual 4 ft x 8 ft panels- Final pieces will be digitally printed on metal and displayed as a triptych.
Submission Options:
- Propose a single design for one panel.
- Propose a comprehensive concept for all three panels (as an individual or a team).
Eligibility Guidelines:
This call is open to visual artists of all disciplines whose work is compatible with digital reproduction.
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Priority will be given to:
- Residents of Lorain, Ohio
- Those with personal ties to Southside Gardens or South Lorain
- Creators emphasizing community-driven themes and cultural sensitivity
Emerging talent is highly encouraged to join this process.
Artist Stipends- Selected artists earn a design fee of $1,000 per panel- This is a design-focused role.
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Funding for this project has been provided by the Community Foundation of Lorain County.
The FireFish Festival, taking place this year on September 19, serves as a vibrant annual gathering dedicated to the intersection of art and community. Beyond the bustling vendor market, attendees can enjoy live entertainment, explore the artist alley, and sample diverse culinary delights across Downtown Lorain, culminating in the iconic ‘Burning of the FireFish’ Finale .
This year, Main Street Lorain is proud to manage the vendor market in partnership with FireFish Arts. Our mission is to provide a seamless and professional experience for all exhibitors participating in the Main Street Market.
Approved applicants receive a designated 10x10 footprint and must provide their own equipment, including tents and furniture. Vendor installation occurs between 1pm and 3pm on the day of festivities. The main event operates from 4pm until 10pm; as sunset approaches, we strongly advise vendors to utilize battery-operated lighting solutions to keep their displays illuminated and inviting for the evening crowd.