Fort Wayne’s East Central Neighborhood could soon have a fresh splash of color and creativity. The city’s Public Art Commission is officially on the lookout for artists to team up with residents and design a permanent piece that will help shape the neighborhood’s identity for years to come.

A Community Effort to Shape Public Space

This latest push is part of the commission’s ongoing SHOUT-OUT: Fort Wayne program. The goal? To lift up local neighborhoods by weaving public art into the fabric of everyday life.

William Bryant Rozier, the project manager, will guide artists through every step — but the community will have the final say on what goes up. Residents won’t just get a mural or sculpture dropped in their lap. Instead, they’ll have a direct hand in choosing ideas and giving feedback.

One short line says it best: the art will belong to the neighborhood because they helped make it.

The Dollars and Details

The project comes with a $20,000 budget. That figure covers everything — from the artist’s time and materials to the final installation.

Some might say that’s a tight squeeze, but plenty of Fort Wayne’s past neighborhood projects have stretched modest budgets into big impact.

Rozier says the hope is to attract artists who see this not just as a gig, but as a chance to connect.

And it’s not only about painting pretty walls. This piece will be designed to last — something the neighborhood can point to years down the road and say, “We did that.”

Neighborhood Voices Will Shape the Final Piece

No two communities are the same. That’s why the commission is focused on making sure this artwork reflects East Central’s unique vibe.

Local leaders will work alongside the artist, hosting meetings and gathering input.

The final concept must get the thumbs up from both the neighborhood and the commission. In other words, no surprises — just something neighbors can be proud to see every day.

How to Get Involved

Artists interested in throwing their hat in the ring can check out the official request for proposals online.

There’s also an open Q&A session scheduled for Friday, July 18, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Citizens Square. It’s a good chance to get face time with Rozier and other commission members, ask about the process, and share early ideas.

Here’s a quick look at the key points for applicants:

• Must collaborate directly with residents

• Budget capped at $20,000

• Final design requires community and commission approval

• Installation must be permanent and durable

Why It Matters for East Central

This isn’t the first time Fort Wayne’s neighborhoods have embraced public art. The SHOUT-OUT program has already turned blank walls and empty spaces into conversation starters across town.

One longtime East Central resident said they hope the project brings folks together: “We’ve got so many stories here. It’d be nice to see something on the street that shows where we’ve been — and where we’re going.”

A little color, a new mural, maybe a sculpture — whatever shape it takes, the project is meant to do more than look good. It’s about pride, identity, and reminding everyone that even a single piece of art can help tell a community’s story.