The Boise City Department of Art & History invites artists to apply for the opportunity to participate in a juried exhibition at the Erma Hayman House. Developed by a community-based jury, the exhibition theme seeks to highlight the “American Experiment” through contradictions in American values. This jury will select up to fifteen (15) artists, or artist teams, to display artwork. First-person perspectives and concepts that relate to Boise and the Erma Hayman House are strongly recommended.
All selected artists will receive a $350 stipend and offer their works for sale. Artworks will be eligible for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd honors and one artwork will be selected for purchase by the City for the Boise City Visual Chronicle Collection. The exhibition will be on display from approximately mid-August – January 2026. Purchases will be delivered after the conclusion of the exhibition.
This opportunity is limited to current Idaho artists. Applicants must be 18 years or older.
The City of Boise’s Department of Arts & History and Boise Airport jointly invite artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for an exciting opportunity at the Boise Airport. The selected artist will create two designs: one that will be digitized and printed on a vinyl banner to be installed on the east facade of a new Consolidated Rental Car facility (CONRAC); a second design will be digitized and printed on vinyl to be installed on panels in a nearby walkway. Artists will not fabricate or install the art but will collaborate with the fabricator to ensure proper printing. The resulting vinyl banners will be installed for approximately 3-5 years.
This Request for Qualifications will result in three finalists being invited to submit proposals for a $500 stipend; finalists will also be asked to submit references. Following this, an artist will be selected.
The selected artist(s) will be awarded $30,000 to collaborate with project stakeholders on community engagement and information gathering, and throughout the design process. Artist and artist teams working in any mediums that can be translated digitally are strongly encouraged to apply. This opportunity is limited to current Idaho residents. Applicants must be 18 years or older.
2026-2027 CITY OF BOISE CULTURAL AMBASSADOR
The City of Boise Cultural Ambassador program is designed to share Boise’s cultural and creative community with other cities across the globe and foster connections to global audiences.
Acting as Boise’s honorary representative to the world, the Cultural Ambassador engages with national and international audiences through the public expression of culture that helps develop, document, research, share, or reflect upon Boise’s cultural life.
The Boise City Department of Arts & History (A&H) manages the program, and the Boise City Mayor presents the honorific title to the selected Cultural Ambassador.
Goals
The goals of the Cultural Ambassador are to:
- Raise awareness of the individual and/or organization and their connection to Boise
- Raise awareness of cultural activities during the term of the ambassadorship
- Expand the cultural impact of the organization on the community
- Encourage the promotion of Boise’s cultural life in other cities
Eligibility
- Applicants must be characteristically “Boise”.
- Individuals, nonprofit organizations, other organizations, and businesses may all apply for the Cultural Ambassador program.
- Successful applicants are required to demonstrate ability and integrity within the artistic, historic, or cultural-based medium; knowledge of Boise’s cultural and creative community; and a strong commitment to community and educational programming.
- The public expression of culture includes: public art, history, performances, exhibits, educational opportunities (presentations/lectures, workshops, walking tours, training, etc.), collaborations, research, planning, and/or analysis.
- In addition to media appearances, the selected Cultural Ambassador will present at least one educational activity per term year that includes, but is not limited to: workshops, classes, or other forms of community outreach.
Expectations
The City of Boise and the Cultural Ambassador will agree on a plan for goals and activities during the term of the award. The Cultural Ambassador program funding will support the agreed-upon goals and activities.
The City and Cultural Ambassador will meet in the fall of each year during the term to discuss how the money has been and will be spent, as well as make any amendments to the agreement as needed. The Cultural Ambassador will submit a final report on
- The activities taking place during their ambassadorship
- The impact the role had on their person or organization
- any economic benefit that can be seen in the community
- Any activities/events/promotions/publicity held/reported in other cities.
Funding Amount
The City of Boise will award a monetary stipend offered in varying amounts depending on financial availability.
Applications open on April 1, 2025, and will be accepted through April 30, 2025.
2025 MAYOR'S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN ARTS & HISTORY
Presented every two years, the Mayor's Awards for Excellence in Arts & History celebrate people, organizations, and businesses that contribute to Boise's cultural and creative community.
Awarded recipients must have demonstrated distinguished service, creative accomplishment, and/or a record of publication, presentation, or research that enhances Boise's artistic, historic, and broader cultural life.
Nomination categories include:
- Excellence in the Arts
- Excellence in History
- Excellence in Education
- Support of the Cultural Sector
- Emerging Individual or Organization
- Lifetime Achievement
Nominations open on April 1, 2025, and will be accepted through April 30, 2025.
Award recipients and the next Cultural Ambassador will be announced at the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & History on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 5 p.m. at JUMP. Individual tickets and sponsoring opportunities will be available for purchase in early summer. Learn more.