OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Who will be the artist to give a new look to an iconic landmark in Ocala’s downtown?

A call for artists is being made by Ocala’s Economic Development and Cultural Arts Division. They’re asking artists to tap into their creativity to make a new mural for the downtown ground storage tank, located at the intersection of the Southeast Third Avenue and Southeast Fifth Street.

The new visual concept will replace the current mural, which has been there for eight years.

Florida artists who have experience in painting large murals are encouraged to submit one design. The artistic rendering will wrap the ground storage tank top to bottom.

“We’d like for it to last for at least five years, but the longer we can have something last the better. So, we’re definitely looking for something that will last closer to a decade,” said Emily Parkman, City of Ocala cultural arts coordinator. “Since we’re partnering with the Florida Wildlife Corridor, we’re looking for it to focus specifically on Marion County flora and fauna. The wildlife that’s local to us to celebrate the natural beauty that we have in our area.”

The Ocala downtown ground storage tank will be getting a new look soon with the painting of a new mural later this fall. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Artist Eduardo Mendieta painted the previous mural on the ground storage tank in downtown Ocala more than eight years ago. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Ocala’s downtown ground storage tank will be getting a new look soon, as a call to artists to submit a new design proposal that features local flora and fauna native to Florida will replace the current mural later this year. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

A panel of local business owners, arts representatives and city staff will be the jury who will select the artist or team of artists and the final design. The artist or artists who are selected for the mural project will receive $60,000.

The jury will evaluate all applications starting on Friday, Sept. 13, said Parkman.

The project is being funded by the partnership of the City of Ocala, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, Fine Arts for Ocala, and Ocala Main Street.

Ideally, the painting project will start in late October or early November

Learn more about the project, scope of the work, application requirements and the selection process. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, Sept. 12 at 11:59 p.m.