Dutchess County Fairgrounds Mural Project

In partnership with Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Destination Dutchess (previously Dutchess Tourism), and Arts Mid-Hudson, artists are welcome to submit their vision for a commissioned mural at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in 2025.

The Dutchess County Fairgrounds Mural Project asks artists, “How does agriculture unite us?” The successful project at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds would be rooted in the traditions of Dutchess County, highlighting agritourism experiences from family farms, local orchards, wineries, breweries, domestic and fine arts, and the natural beauty of our horticulture. The successful proposed mural will highlight the experiences visitors enjoy at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds including festivals, flower shows, animal interactions, u-pick, and farm stand shopping. Artists may submit an independent or collaborative proposal. 

Deadline: Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM

The Dutchess County Fairgrounds Opportunity:

• The selected artist submission will receive a total of $7,000. Upon returning the contract, the artist will receive an initial payment of $3,500. The remaining $3,500 will be paid upon completion of the project. This payment must include artist labor, materials, and any other supplies the artist needs to complete the work sufficiently.
• Mural specifications: The mural must be painted on canvas and will be mounted at the mural site. The mural should be painted using high-quality mural paint and finished with a clear coat. The site is not temperature-controlled, and temperature can range from 30 - 90 degrees.
• The site: The mural will be painted on an indoor wall at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. The space measures 15’4” wide by 6’8” high. The proposed mural area is conveniently located in the Welcome Center, the main entrance to all fairground events, which is also open to the public. Interested artists are encouraged to visit the mural site and may contact Arts Mid-Hudson to coordinate a visit. The times available would be Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm, unless there is an event going on.
• Security and liability insurance is provided by the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.
• Arts Mid-Hudson, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, and Destination Dutchess (previously Dutchess Tourism) will require certain reproduction and display rights for documentation and promotional purposes, which will be detailed in the contract.

Timeline and process:

• Call for entries:  Arts Mid-Hudson will manage the artist mural submission process through this submittable form.  Artists must upload design views for the mural site and may upload up to 7 images. Sample images of past murals (up to 3) must be uploaded, along with a resume and two references that can be contacted about your past work.
• Deadline: Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM
• Selection process: the final decision will be made by a jury of organizational representatives from Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Destination Dutchess (previously Dutchess Tourism), Arts Mid-Hudson, and local artists.
• Notification to artists: by May 2025 via Submittable.
• Mural creation: Work can begin after the artist signs a contract to complete the work.
• Mural installation: by July 25, 2025. The installation will be coordinated with Arts Mid-Hudson and the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.
• Public reception: To commemorate the mural's unveiling, a media event, ribbon cutting, and public reception will be held the week of August 4, 2025. 
• On-going maintenance: Upon completion of the mural, the artist will be asked to provide a maintenance guide identifying the materials used and how the mural should be cared for long-term.

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Arts Mid-Hudson is a nonprofit arts service organization founded in 1964, dedicated to strengthening and supporting artists and arts organizations in Dutchess County and the Mid-Hudson Valley region.

Destination Dutchess (previously Dutchess Tourism), the official destination marketing and management organization for Dutchess County, New York, works to enhance the county’s public image as a dynamic place to visit, live, work and invest. Through its global marketing reach and local industry support, Destination Dutchess ensures the county’s visitor economy remains a powerful driver of prosperity and community vitality for residents and businesses. A 501(c)(6) non-profit, the organization is also accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International, recognizing its commitment to industry excellence. Visit https://destinationdutchess.com/ for additional information on Dutchess County’s tourism marketplace, and watch this video for a comprehensive overview of Destination Dutchess, Inc.

The Dutchess County Fairgrounds The Dutchess County Agricultural Society’s vision is a society actively engaged in the pursuit and promotion of our rural and agricultural heritage, from neighborhood backyards to family farms and commercial enterprises.
 

Questions? Contact Lilia Pérez, Grants Manager. Visit www.artsmidhudson.org or email grants@artsmidhudson.org or call (845) 454-3222.