OPEN ART CALL: Create a Design For Our New Art Box

Arts Missoula is hiring an artist to design and execute a large scale art piece to beautify the outside of a 8’x16’ metal storage container that we are turning into our new portable art experience in partnership with Big Sky Box Portable Storage.

Arts Missoula is excited to announce a new partnership with Big Sky Box Portable Storage to create a mobile art experience for Missoula.  A portable art gallery and activity center housed inside a transformed 16-foot storage box.

PHASE 1 – We are seeking an artist (or artist team) to design and execute artwork for the exterior of one side of the box. The finished piece will travel throughout Missoula, appearing at community events, First Fridays, GermanFest, Missoula On Main, and other public gatherings over the next year.

This is a unique opportunity to create a highly visible piece that celebrates Missoula and welcomes visitors into a one-of-a-kind mobile gallery featuring artwork by local artists and will engage visitors in an interactive art experience.

Project Overview
The exterior of an 8′ x 16′ metal storage container will serve as the canvas for this project. The artwork should transform one side of the container into an inviting, visually engaging piece that reflects the creativity, character, and spirit of Missoula.

Art Box will debut on July 28, 2026, at the Missoula PaddleHeads game, where Arts Missoula will be featured as their Community Partner.

Design Requirements
We are looking for a design that is:

Colorful and family-friendly
Celebratory of Missoula and its creative community
Original artwork created by the artist
Appropriate for public display

Design concepts may include:

Abstract imagery
Landscapes or cityscapes
Local flora and fauna
People and community themes
Minimalist or maximalist approaches

Artists may choose to:

Paint directly onto the container, or
Create a digital design that can be produced as a vinyl wrap

Please note:

Three-dimensional artwork cannot be accommodated.
The final artwork must be weatherproof and suitable for outdoor display.
Artwork must be 100% original and may not include AI-generated imagery.
The design must incorporate both the Arts Missoula and Big Sky Box logos. Logos must appear clearly within approximately a 2′ x 2′ white area. Placement is flexible as long as visibility is maintained.
If work is painted on box directly, then digital images will be created for marketing purposes and future box installations.

Compensation
Selected artist(s) will receive:

$850 Artist Fee and an Annual Membership to Arts Missoula

In addition:

Arts Missoula will cover approved supply costs for painted designs.
Arts Missoula will cover printing and installation costs for vinyl wrap designs.
The artist will retain credit for the artwork while granting Arts Missoula and Big Sky Box permission to reproduce and use images of the design for marketing, promotional materials, and potential future box installations.

Timeline
Art Call Opens: June 12, 2026

Application Deadline: June 30, 2026

Artist Selected: July 1, 2026

Project Completion Deadline: July 21, 2026

Public Debut: July 28, 2026 at the Missoula PaddleHeads Community Partner Night

About Big Sky Box Portable Storage

Big Sky Box Portable Storage is a locally owned Missoula business operated by Mike Eckelkamp and Justin Townsend. Their portable storage containers provide convenient and cost-effective moving and storage solutions for homeowners and businesses throughout Western Montana.

When Mike and Justin approached Arts Missoula with the idea of transforming a retired storage container into a community-centered art activation, we immediately saw the creative possibilities. Together, we’ve reimagined this simple metal box as a traveling gallery and activity center that will bring art directly into the community.

How to Apply
Please submit:

Artist name and contact information
Brief artist statement
3–5 examples of previous work
A concept sketch or rendering of your proposed design
Explanation of your concept.  What was your inspiration?
Estimated approach (painted mural or vinyl wrap)
Applications should be submitted to Arts Missoula by June 30, 2026.

Questions may be directed to Maddy Gilbert at Arts Missoula –  406.541.0860 or admin@artsmissoula.org.

Arts Missoula encourages artists of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels to apply. We welcome creative interpretations of the project and are committed to supporting opportunities for both emerging and established artists in our community.

APPLY HERE

Below are examples of the project area and potential logo placements.