Each year, the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) offers the opportunity for Creative Districts across the state to apply for grants to create new art or artistic resources inside their districts. Inspired in part by the incredible community response to the Outsiders Street Art Project on the Memorial Field fence, the City of Port Townsend, through the municipally-managed Creative District, applied for funds to paint murals at the Seamus Sims Skate Park. As a City-owned park within the Creative District boundaries, this public resource felt like a perfect place for more community creativity to blossom.

In February, ArtsWA announced it would award $30,000 for this project. Using the City’s Art in Public Places Policies and Procedures, the Public Art Committee of the Port Townsend Art Commission began the process of assembling an Artist Selection Panel, as well as using the grant parameters and guidelines to refine the scope of the project.

In addition demonstrating their ability to create the murals themselves, applicants are asked to submit a plan for community engagement that shows how they will involved Skate Park users and other stakeholders in development of the creative work. Murals are slated to be painted only on vertical walls around the park, and not on any skateable surfaces.

An artist or artist team will be chosen in June 2026, and the project is expected to begin in July 2026 and continue throughout the summer and fall.

Please read the Call for Artists and Press Release for the most detailed information about this project. There are also scheduled times for the public to learn more and weigh in on the process:

Additionally, once an artist or artist team is chosen, their will be further opportunities for community engagement as the project develops. Please sign up for the City’s Arts & Culture newsletter to be sure you hear about these activities.

You can always reach out directly with questions by emailing arts@cityofpt.us or calling (360) 385-3000 x5098.