The Palette Program

Unified Art Initiatives

All art projects funded by GAP will follow the new policies established under the Palette Program to maintain consistency.

Community Group Support

The program works with any community group that has secured funding for a project, helping them bring their ideas to public spaces.

Department Collaboration

 City departments interested in murals or art installations will receive step-by-step guidance, from initial concept to project completion.

Increased Art Opportunities

 Art Projects initiated by the City of Fort Worth (excluding Fort Worth Public Art) will be listed on The Palette Program website, where they’ll undergo a transparent selection process.

Proposal Process for Funded Projects

 Community members and organizations that wish to fund their own projects now have a clear process to follow through the Palette Program’s proposal system, ensuring their ideas are brought to life in public spaces.

Over two decades ago, the City of Fort Worth established the Graffiti Abatement Program (GAP) to combat and prevent graffiti across the city. Initially focused solely on removing graffiti, GAP soon recognized the potential of murals as a preventative measure. By covering walls with vibrant, community-driven artwork, the program not only beautified neighborhoods but also deterred future vandalism. This shift from reactive graffiti removal to proactive mural creation marked the beginning of GAP’s broader vision for community engagement through art.

Over time, GAP saw many successes with its mural efforts but realized the need for a more structured program to guide its future initiatives. To strengthen its mission, GAP partnered with Fort Worth Public Art and sought input from Philadelphia Mural Arts, a leader in the field. This collaboration allowed GAP to elevate its standards, offering new opportunities for artists, residents, and community groups to participate in mural-making and other public art projects. The revamped program aims to ensure that these creative projects were not just about covering graffiti but about addressing the city’s art needs. 

The assessment of the Graffiti Abatement Program’s mural process led to the creation of The Palette Program, designed to consolidate all art-related projects under one comprehensive framework. The Palette Program not only oversees murals and art initiatives funded by GAP but also collaborates with other City departments, community groups and artists. It provides resources and guidance to ensure each project—whether a mural or temporary installation—reflects the city's vision of working together to build a strong community.

A Community-Initiated Project is defined as a project proposed and funded by members of the community. These projects, which may include murals or temporary art installations, are designed to enhance public spaces in collaboration with the City of Fort Worth. Community groups, schools, associations, and individual artists are all eligible to apply. Those seeking to undertake a project on City property must submit a proposal through the designated website at least six (6) months in advance to allow for thorough review and approval.

Application Criteria for Community-Initiated Projects:

Prospective applicants must meet the following criteria when submitting their proposal:

• Purpose and Significance: State the project’s purpose and its importance to both the community and the City of Fort Worth.

• Artist Information: Provide the artist’s name, credentials, and a visual representation (in color) of the proposed project, showing design and scale.

• Location Details: Include a map of the proposed project location(s) with technical information. Projects located within 150 feet of an existing or planned Fort Worth Public Art project are generally prohibited.

• Materials and Installation: Describe the materials, installation methods, and expected lifespan of the project.

• Departmental Assistance: Specify if City assistance will be required for tasks such as mowing, trash removal, or maintenance around the project site.

• Budget and Funding Plan: Provide a detailed project budget and the plan for securing funds.

• Community Support: Show evidence of community input, awareness, and support for the project.

• Partnership Details: Propose a Host City Department/partner/artist and explain the nature of the partnership.

For City-Funded Projects, is defined as a project proposed by any City department and for which the department will provide funding. Any art projects seeking artist or community involvement will be listed, providing an opportunity for submissions. Please note that these projects are not related to those managed by Fort Worth Public Art. Departments requesting artist proposals for these City-funded projects will post calls for submissions at least 6 to 8 months in advance, depending on the project's specific needs and timeline for installation. This advanced notice ensures the Palette Program can effectively facilitate the selection process, allowing for thoughtful artist engagement and community collaboration. All opportunities are listed below for review and application.