Union Art Alley (2026)

  • Union Art Alley

    Now in year four, Union Art Alley is an evolving public art space in downtown Stillwater, MN. The goal is for Union Art Alley to evolve, and revolve, with the art that is the soul of our community. A destination for photos, expression, and colorful enjoyment, Union Art Alley highlights the area’s arts and artists in a space tucked just off Main Street.

  • Application Deadline: June 7, 2026
    Ideally, accepted projects should be completed by July 14, but they must be completed by October 2, 2026.

  • Everyone selected to work in Union Art Alley will be a representative of, and an ambassador for, this special artistic space. Treat the building/business owners and the public with courtesy during installation, and with your artwork. Profane, obscene or offensive imagery or language is not permitted. Artistic content in the Alley must remain appropriate to all ages. Other public artwork in Stillwater must have an historic theme. While that is not necessary in Union Art Alley, considering the landscape, riverway, geologic and human history, and other aspects of this place will make your work more relevant and powerful.

    What do you need to do to be involved?

    • Develop a creative project idea that includes at least one artist. Any permissions needed regarding city and private property will be navigated by the Union Art Alley team. Your focus should be on the project. Available spaces for 2026 (Linked here on Dropbox)
    • Prepare your proposal and budget. Project support ranges from $1500 for small spaces and up to $8000 for larger mural areas.
    • Submit your proposal by June 7, 2026. Artists will be selected and notified on or before June 17, 2025.

  • Project Proposal Cover Page

    Briefly explain your creative project and the artist(s) involved.
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  • Lead Artist(s) Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
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  • Preferred Location:*

  • Please use this **Utility Box Design Template (linked here on Dropbox) to present your project design for this space. Here are good tips and requirements for the Utility Box project (linked here on Dropbox) which are also generally good for all outdoor murals!

    For all of the spaces, know that we value your input! If your body of work is strong and your idea is intriguing, we will work with you to make your project description fit the alley's art opportunities.

  • Project Description

    Please express your project idea, timeline and budget along with your artist credentials and work samples.
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  • Project Budget

  • Expense Item, Cost

  • Income Sources, Amount

  • Proposals will be reviewed by the Union Art Alley's volunteer committee, and you will be notified of your project status on or before June 17, 2026. Projects may be given feedback for small adjustments before offically funded.

    If your project is accepted:

    • Sign the contract and receive 70% of project support (i.e. $1400 if you're requesting $2000)
    • Initiate and complete project. Ideally all projects must be completed by July 14 (Opera in the Alley event date), but definitely by October 2.
    • Help communicate information about your project while you do it by providing images, video and descriptions.
    • In any description or credits of project, always use the following language: "This activity is part of Union Art Alley, a partnership of area businesses and organizations. ArtReach St. Croix serves as the fiscal agent, but this is not a direct program of ArtReach St. Croix or the City of Stillwater."
    • Submit final report (This will be a simple set of questions asking what you did and an updated list of expenses. The form will be sent with your contract when the project is confirmed.)
    • Receive remaining balance of support and celebrate with your friends!
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