The big picture
The mural would be located on the ground floor of the upcoming Connect Highstar development, a four-story, 77-unit housing project slated to open in spring 2025 at 6440 Hillcroft Ave., Houston. The mural would face Highstar Drive, and it would be 25 feet long and 12 feet high, according to a request for qualifications from Connect Community.
A closer look
Officials with Connect Community said they are seeking to create a "site-specific exterior mural that captures the essence of the rich character of the Gulfton/Sharpstown community," specifically noting the area's diverse history and culture.
The application process is open to artists residing in the city of Houston and Harris County, and priority will be given artists living or working in the Gulfton or Sharpstown communities.
The project has a $7,500 budget, according to the RFQ, and the deadline to apply is Oct. 28 at 5 p.m.
Also of note
Part of the Connect Community mission involves fostering economic development. In addition to the 77 housing units, the Connect Highstar project will also include a 9,000-square-foot Textile Lab & Entrepreneurship Center, which officials said will serve as a small-batch manufacturing incubator offering manufacturing, production and business development support for 800 residents annually.
The mural will be located around an entrance on the exterior of the center, and the artist can also incorporate 16-inch pilasters located on the left and right sides of the main mural area.
Looking ahead
Following the Oct. 28 deadline to apply, officials expect to name a finalist on Nov. 22 and execute a contract in December. Painting will begin in February, and the project would take roughly one month.
Interested artists can apply online here.
