Call for Artists-Mt. Rainier Skate Park
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CALL FOR ARTISTS
INVITATION TO SUBMIT QUALIFICATIONS
For Public Art Opportunity Sponsored by:
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County
Submission of Materials Accepted At: https://m-ncppc.submittable.com/submit
Deadline: 12 Midnight, Eastern Standard Time on Sunday, March 29th, 2026.
Overview/Introduction
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County invites Artists (both individual artists and artist teams) with interest and professional experience in creating public art and site-specific commissions, to submit qualifications for an original exterior public art feature, at the Mt. Rainier Skate Park in Mt. Rainier, MD.
Mount Rainier Skate Park is located just behind the Imagination Theme Playground, on the corner of Wells Avenue and Otis Street, wedged between a residential area and train tracks. At approximately 6,000 square feet, it provides great space for skaters and all. This park is located within the Mount Rainier Historic District and also the Gateway Arts District, which is a haven for creativity with an array of art studios, event and performance venues, and creative spaces. In fact, the skate park is parallel to the artists' studios located on Otis Street, where you will find larger-than-life, bold, and colorful murals affixed on the brick walls.
The skate park features a plaza design for beginner and intermediate skaters, as well as two raised plaza areas connected to steps, rails, and ramps. The skate park also has picnic tables and benches. The skate park underwent renovations and maintenance, which resulted in a smoother riding experience.
The community creative art day Deck the Park—Public Art Bash took place in fall 2025 at Mt. Rainier Skate Park; community members embarked on selecting different visuals to determine the future look and feel of Mt. Rainier Skate Park. Thereafter, an online survey was conducted, and the results from both the in-person creative arts day and the online survey helped to inform the project goals and themes for this call for artist opportunity.
About M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County
The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, serves Prince George's County in Maryland, providing comprehensive park and recreation programs, facilities, and services that support healthy lifestyles and responds to changing needs within County communities. The Department strives to preserve, enhance, and protect open spaces to enrich the quality of life for present and future generations in a safe and secure environment. The Department of Parks and Recreation is a well-respected leader in the field with an unprecedented six national gold medals for excellence. It operates and maintains more than 27,000 acres of parkland throughout the county, including land developed to provide parks, picnic areas, athletic fields, historic sites, community centers, and recreation facilities.
Background: Mt. Rainier, Maryland
Mount Rainier, Maryland, is recognized for its historical significance as a primary streetcar suburb, characterized by a rich collection of Sears Houses and Craftsman-style homes. It was named by a group of developers after the famous mountain in the State of Washington.
In 1910, the residents around the streetcar station petitioned the Maryland State Legislature to incorporate Mount Rainier, and the city was officially incorporated on April 14, 1910.
Today, the City boasts a vibrant arts scene and hosts engaging community events, making it an attractive location for artists and residents alike. Mount Rainier is part of the Gateway Arts District, which also includes the City of Hyattsville, the Town of Brentwood, and North Brentwood. This district is a project of the Gateway Community Development Corporation and aims to rejuvenate a two-mile stretch along U.S. Route One/Rhode Island Avenue in Prince George's County, Maryland, just north of the Washington, D.C. border.
Public Artwork Goals & Themes
This public art opportunity is made possible by the input of community members that live or work within the Mt. Rainier Skate Park area. Overall goals for the public art project include:
- The Art Style should incorporate Cultural and Heritage components that are inspired by local traditions and diverse identities.
- The Color Palette Vibes should signify Bold and Bright colors that are energetic, fun, and high contrast.
- The Themes to Explore should center around Youth Culture and Skate Life.
- The preferred Location of the public artwork is Murals on the Walls.
Eligibility
Open to professional artists or artist teams aged 18 and over. Artists living or working in Mt. Rainier, MD, Prince George’s County and the surrounding region are strongly encouraged to apply. Local artists or artist teams that are engaged in the skating culture are also encouraged to apply.
Budget
A total budget of $70,000 is allocated for this commission, which must cover all costs, including artist fee, design, materials, fabrication, installation, insurance, and transportation.
Site Description
The Mt. Rainier Skate Park is looking for art to be executed as murals on the concrete walls directly on the surface of the skate park.
Site Map
Site Images
Additional Site Images
Artwork Specifications
- Durable and suitable for exterior public space
- Artwork must fit thematically with the history and culture of the city of Mt. Rainier
- Light enhancements can be included in the final concept
- Artwork not to be painted on the skating surfaces
- Must meet ADA and safety requirements
- No offensive or overtly political content
Submission Requirements
- Artist Statement (PDF, 300 words max)
- Resume/CV (PDF, 2 pages max per team member)
- Up to 10 images of past work (JPEG or PDF, labeled)
- Image List (PDF, include title, date, medium, dimensions, and brief description)
Selection Criteria
- Artistic excellence and innovation
- Relevance to sites and community
- Feasibility and durability of qualifications and ultimately the final proposal
- Demonstrated experience with similar projects
Application Process
The application process will consist of three phases:
- Open Call for Artists—Artists submit their qualifications and materials by the deadline.
- Proposal Finalist Selection—Three finalists will be invited to participate in an initial proposal to include a project proposal, timeline and itemized budget
- Final Commission Award—One artist or team will be selected to move forward with the project
Timeline
- Application Deadline: March 29, 2026
- Proposal Finalist Selection: April 2026
- Installation Completion: Fall 2026
How to Apply
Once the application portal is live, artists will submit through Submittable.com. Until then, you may prepare materials using this document as a reference.
Contact
For questions or technical assistance, please contact:
Brittney McGowan, M.Ed.
Public Art Specialist
M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation
Brittney.McGowan@pgparks.com