The Salt Lake City Arts Council’s Public Art Program seeks to commission a Salt Lake County based artist or artist-led team to design and install a new mural for Out of the Blue, a sculpture affectionately known as “The Whale.” Created by artist Stephen Kesler, the sculpture currently features Point of Reference, a mural by local artist Michael Murdock. The sculpture is located along the 9-Line Corridor, a major east-west route that connects residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and recreation sites. Since its installation, Out of the Blue has become a beloved landmark and a symbol of community, creativity, resilience, and harmony. To reflect the neighborhood’s vibrant and evolving character, the Salt Lake City Public Art Program will commission a new mural for the sculpture every three to five years through a rotating mural program. By blending a permanent sculptural landmark with a rotating series of murals, the project creates a dynamic and ever-changing visual centerpiece.
The selected Salt Lake City-based artist or team will create a mural that celebrates the neighborhood’s creativity, inclusivity, and local character while deepening the artwork’s connection to Salt Lake City’s identity. The design should honor the community’s sense of pride and vibrancy, ensuring that Out of the Blue continues to serve as a dynamic and unifying landmark for residents and visitors alike.
RFQ APPLICATION LINK
COMMISSION BUDGET: $12,500
DEADLINE: Thursday, January 2, 2026 by 11:59 pm MST
ELIGIBILITY: This Call for Artists is open to all professional artists and/or artist-led teams residing in or with studios located in Salt Lake City, Utah, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, marital status, political opinion or affiliation, or mental or physical disability.
SUBMISSIONS: All applications must be submitted through the CaFÉ (CallforEntry.org) website, link below.
INFORMATION SESSION: Interested applicants are invited to attend an online info session, via Zoom, on Thursday, December 4 2025, at 12:00 pm MST:
Webinar link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86045396867?pwd=c2lQhJcxgZhYXtQD1LvX3YSlAQtCrl.1Password: 1234
QUESTIONS: All questions regarding this RFQ are to be directed to the Salt Lake City Public Art Program by email at
View the full Request for Qualifications here.
DIRECT LINK TO APPLICATION: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=16515
