2026 CLEAN DRAINS FORT WAYNE Application

This is the application to install a drain mural in Fort Wayne in 2026.

From 2021-2023, City Utlities partnered with Friends of the Rivers to curate informative and eductional drain murals througout Fort Wayne. In 2024, City Utilities partnered with Art This Way, a program of the Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District, to continue this educational intiative!

A limited number of artists will be chosen to participate. The Public Art Commission will review the designs. Those selected will be given a artist stipend. Selected artists will be assigned to a speciifc mural site and be given specific dates of installation in the summer of 2026. Artists will be provided a bucket with all the supplies they need to install the mural (special paint, brushes, tape, saftey vest, and instructions for installation).

Applicant's design MUST have legible verbiage included within the design concept proposal. Failure to follow these instructions will elimiate the concept from consideration for this project. Please be sure to include your drain message in your drawing.

2026 Clean Drains Fort Wayne Timeline:

FEBRUARY 2026: Application Opens

APRIL 12, 2026: Application Deadline

MAY 11, 2026: All artists are notified about the status of their application

AUGUST 2025: Artist Orientation & Supply Retrieval

AUGUST 15 - AUGUST 23, 2026: All drain murals installed

Artist Name*

First NameLast Name

Artist Email*

example@example.com

Please indicate the neighborhood where you live, if applicable.

Example: Northside Neighborhood, Mount Vernon Park, Packard Park, etc.

Artist Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Artist Mailing Address*

Street Address (Please be accurate: this information is important for bucket delivery and mailing stipends)

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Postal / Zip Code

THIS PROJECT IS ABOUT EDUCATING OUR COMMUNITY.

Applicant's design MUST have legible verbiage included within the design concept proposal. Failure to follow these instructions will elimiate the concept from consideration for this project.

PLEASE INDICATE THE VERBIAGE YOU DEPICTED IN YOUR ATTACHED DRAIN MURAL DESIGN. YOU MUST CHOOSE THE PREPARED OPTION or SUBMIT YOUR UNIQUE PHRASE, WHICH WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE COMMITTEE. IF YOUR UNIQUE PHRASE IS NOT APPROVED BY CITY UTLITIES, ARTISTS MUST USE THE PHRASE 'ONLY RAIN IN THE DRAIN.'*

ONLY RAIN IN THE DRAINOTHER: CREATE MY OWN UNIQUE PHRASE (type in your phrase below)

IF you indicated 'OTHER' above, please type in your drain art phrase here:

Please use proper grammar and indicate any punctuation you intend to include in your verbiage. This text may or may not be approved.

Upload Image of PREVIOUS WORK; this artwork should represent your ability to paint (PLEASE LABEL FILE WITH YOUR NAME) *

Please label file with your name_medium; your previous work will be used to determine artist's capacity for painting a mural project.

2026 DRAIN TEMPLATE

Upload CLEAN DRAIN DESIGN CONCEPT (please use the template above)) *

Please label file with your name; Please be sure to include the required verbiage in your design proposal.

Please confirm that you can install your drain mural concept during the dates of August 15 - August 23, 2026.*

ARTIST CAN INSTALL DURING THE WEEK OF AUGUST 15 - AUGUST 23, 2026

ELIGIBILITY*

Artist is responsible for arranging any desired insurance coverage for personal or liability purposes. Artist agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless City Utilities and Art This Way ("Project Directors"), their employees and representatives from any and all claims or causes of action of any kind, and any and all costs and expenses, including attorney's fees, arising from the performance of this project. By checking this box, you acknowledge and agree you are participating in the 2026 Clean Drains Program (“Program”) on a voluntary basis and your participation may involve risks inherent to the activities being undertaken in connection with the Program. You acknowledge that you knowingly and willingly accept such risks and that the Project Directors shall have no liability related to your participation in the Program whatsoever. By checking this box, you agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless the Project Directors, and each of their respective employees, agents, and representatives, of and from all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating to your participation in the Program, whether as a result of bodily injury, property damage, or death. You further acknowledge that this release includes any claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of the Project Directors, and each of their respective employees, agents, and representatives.Photo Release & Documentation Waiver: Artist agrees to permit Art This Way, City Utilities and its designated personnel to photograph, video and document The Clean Drain Fort Wayne project, and use resulting materials without restrictions or royalties paid to the Artist for archival, promotional, marketing, website, educational and such other purposes as the Project Directors shall determine. Such photographic and documentary materials shall be the property of the Project Directors.Artist is 18 years old or older, or has permission from a parent/guardian to participate in this projectArtist can install their mural design in Fort Wayne, IN in the summer of 2026; Selected Artist receives a $300.00 stipend for a timely and satisfactorily completed mural.

Only Rain in the Drain mural by Kelsey Herber; installed in August 2025 at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo