Call to Artists: Painted Payphone Kiosks
Next date: Monday, November 02, 2026 | 05:00 PM
to Wednesday, December 02, 2026 | 11:59 PM
The City of Orlando is calling on local artists to transform three retired payphone kiosks into one-of-a-kind public artworks. Painted surfaces will celebrate the creativity, culture, and spirit of the City Beautiful, turning objects that once connected our community into new points of connection through art.
In particular, the purpose of the project is to creatively preserve an important part of Orlando's west-side history. The three phones have been collected from Parramore, one of the oldest city neighborhoods and a vibrant downtown African American community. Throughout the west-side and beyond, public pay phones historically served as "highways of speech," specifically prior to the introduction of the cell phone.
Public pay phones ensured 24/7 connections among family and friends. It was often the only way for important messages to be quickly shared from graduation announcements to untimely passings. As importantly, public pay phones truly carried a "voice with a smile" for those stationed abroad or in distant rural hometowns, sharing unforgettable moments of time.
The three public pay phones will be placed in the Parramore/downtown Orlando area. The budget is approximately $500 per kiosk, including artist fees, design, and materials.
This call is open only to artists who reside within the City of Orlando.
Submissions will be accepted from November 2, 2026 to December 2, 2026.
Submit your art
Submission Requirements and Criteria
Requirements
- Artist statement describing the proposed artwork (approx. 250–500 words)
- Concept sketch or rendering of the proposed design for the payphone kiosk
- Portfolio of 5–10 images of recent paintings or artwork
- Resume or CV
- Two professional references, with name, email, and phone number
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated on:
- Artistic quality and originality
- Experience with murals or public art
- Alignment with the project vision
- Ability to complete the project within budget and timeline
Artwork Criteria and Restrictions
Criteria
- Paints and materials must be durable and suitable for outdoor display.
- Designs should require minimal maintenance and hold up to long-term display.
- Artwork must comply with all applicable safety and building codes.
- An anti-graffiti coating must be applied upon completion.
- Artist must be able to fully and successfully execute project while working outside.
- The telephone location will be provided upon award.
Restrictions
Artwork may not include:
- Theme Park references or imagery
- Logos or commercial branding
- Identifiable sports teams
- References to Pulse Nightclub or COVID-19
- Identifiable people or celebrities
- Copyrighted or trademarked material
- Political or religious messaging
Kiosk Details
Each kiosk has been primed in a neutral color. Sizes vary slightly, and one does not have a typical box or outer shell housing, but each is approximately:
- Height: 4.5 to 5 feet (54–60 inches)
- Width: 1.5 to 2 feet (18–24 inches)
- Depth: 1.25 to 1.5 feet (15–18 inches)
Project Timeline
Important Dates:
- Call Opens: November 2, 2026
- Submission Deadline: December 2, 2026
- Jury Review Period: December 3-11, 2026
- Artist Notification: December 14, 2026
- Projected Start Date: January 12, 2027
- Completion Date: January 19, 2027