Surprise Arts
We inspire creativity and curiosity in Surprise
@surprisearts
Description
The Arts & Culture Division aims to inspire creativity and curiosity in Surprise by supporting arts and culture experiences that are created with the community, accessible to the public and unique to the history, character and culture of Surprise. We envision a city where arts and culture are a core component of our unique identity, where residents feel empowered through creativity, inclusion and representation, and where artists and organizations can thrive in a healthy, supportive and vibrant arts and culture ecosystem. Header photo credit: Jason Roehner
Organization Type
Government AgencyLOCATION
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
Request for Qualifications | Community Engaged Art
Surprise Arts invites artists or artist teams to submit qualifications for community-engaged art projects as part of upcoming programming across the city. We are seeking artists who create work with the community, not just for it. We are interested in projects that invite participation, spark curiosity, and build a sense of belonging.
Call for Artists | Prequalified Muralist Roster
Deadline:
June 7, 2026
Overview:
Surprise Arts is seeking Arizona-based muralists and artist teams to apply for its Prequalified Muralist Roster. This roster will serve as a pool of artists eligible for future mural commissions across the City of Surprise, including projects on City property and in partnership with local organizations.
See the full Call:
https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/az-surprise/ee2cd704-68b5-47c1-81ae-1b2a0dd8a3af
Contact:
For questions or accommodations contact:
Danica Marlin, Surprise Arts, Art in Public Places Coordinator danica.marlin@surpriseaz.gov
Grant Application Now Open
If you’re a nonprofit, school or artist creating arts and culture experiences in Surprise, this is your moment apply today and bring your vision to life.
Project Grant: supports new or upcoming arts and culture programs like performances, workshops, exhibitions and community events that bring people together in Surprise.
Traffic Cabinet Artwork
The City of Surprise invites West Valley-based artists to submit qualifications to create 2D art designs for traffic cabinets on 163rd Ave. Artists will transform traffic signal control cabinets in Surprise from functional infrastructure to colorful works of art inspired by family and community. Up to 7 artists will be selected. The artist fee is $1,000 for design and community engagement; the printing and installation costs will be covered by the city. All artwork designs must be converted to a high-quality digital format for vinyl wrap printing.
Best of the West Fest
Surprise Arts invites applications from performing artists and performing arts organizations to be featured in the Best of the West Fest, a new performing arts celebration presented by Surprise Arts, dedicated to amplifying the voices, stories, and talents of local West Valley performing artists. The festival aims to celebrate, support, and elevate professional-quality performing arts that represent the creative identity of the West Valley community, and to create shared cultural experiences that inspire community connection through performance. The inaugural Fall 2027 festival will aim to showcase a diverse lineup of performances and genres — including music, dance, theater, spoken word, puppetry, and comedy—presented at the Vista Center for the Arts in Surprise, AZ.
Request for Qualifications | Community Engaged Art
Surprise Arts invites artists or artist teams to submit qualifications for community-engaged art projects as part of upcoming programming across the city. We are seeking artists who create work with the community, not just for it. We are interested in projects that invite participation, spark curiosity, and build a sense of belonging.
Call for Artists | Prequalified Muralist Roster
Deadline:
June 7, 2026
Overview:
Surprise Arts is seeking Arizona-based muralists and artist teams to apply for its Prequalified Muralist Roster. This roster will serve as a pool of artists eligible for future mural commissions across the City of Surprise, including projects on City property and in partnership with local organizations.
See the full Call:
https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/az-surprise/ee2cd704-68b5-47c1-81ae-1b2a0dd8a3af
Contact:
For questions or accommodations contact:
Danica Marlin, Surprise Arts, Art in Public Places Coordinator danica.marlin@surpriseaz.gov
Grant Application Now Open
If you’re a nonprofit, school or artist creating arts and culture experiences in Surprise, this is your moment apply today and bring your vision to life.
Project Grant: supports new or upcoming arts and culture programs like performances, workshops, exhibitions and community events that bring people together in Surprise.
Traffic Cabinet Artwork
The City of Surprise invites West Valley-based artists to submit qualifications to create 2D art designs for traffic cabinets on 163rd Ave. Artists will transform traffic signal control cabinets in Surprise from functional infrastructure to colorful works of art inspired by family and community. Up to 7 artists will be selected. The artist fee is $1,000 for design and community engagement; the printing and installation costs will be covered by the city. All artwork designs must be converted to a high-quality digital format for vinyl wrap printing.
Best of the West Fest
Surprise Arts invites applications from performing artists and performing arts organizations to be featured in the Best of the West Fest, a new performing arts celebration presented by Surprise Arts, dedicated to amplifying the voices, stories, and talents of local West Valley performing artists. The festival aims to celebrate, support, and elevate professional-quality performing arts that represent the creative identity of the West Valley community, and to create shared cultural experiences that inspire community connection through performance. The inaugural Fall 2027 festival will aim to showcase a diverse lineup of performances and genres — including music, dance, theater, spoken word, puppetry, and comedy—presented at the Vista Center for the Arts in Surprise, AZ.