Call for Artists: Alternating Currents Mural Fest Returns to Transform Downtown Walls Across the Quad Cities

Alternating Currents (AC) and Quad City Arts are now accepting qualifications from artists for the 2026 Alternating Currents Mural Fest, a public art initiative bringing new large-scale murals to downtown Davenport, Bettendorf and Rock Island.

Selected artists or artist teams will receive a $5,000 stipend to create original murals throughout the Quad Cities. Murals will be installed between August 10–17, 2026. Artists will be matched with one of several mural locations throughout Downtown Davenport, Bettendorf and Rock Island.

“AC Mural Fest continues to be an exciting way to add new creative energy to our downtowns while creating opportunities for artists to contribute to the visual identity of the Quad Cities,” said Alisha Espey, Festival Director of Alternating Currents. “One of the most rewarding parts of the project is seeing these murals become part of the everyday experience of the community long after the festival ends.”

Confirmed sites currently include:

• Klemme Klassic Kars, 301 E. 3rd St., Davenport, IA 52801

• Bent River Brewing Company, 512 24th St., Rock Island, IL 61201

• My Crystal Portal, 1737 Grant St., Bettendorf, IA 52722

  
  

Additional wall locations may be announced as partnerships are finalized.

Artists will have creative freedom over their design, theme and color palette, with project coordination and site alignment facilitated by festival partners. In addition to the artist stipend, wall preparation assistance, lodging accommodations, a material stipend and festival hospitality access will be provided.

AC Mural Fest is led through a regional placemaking partnership between the Downtown Davenport Partnership, Downtown Bettendorf Organization, Rock Island Downtown Alliance and Quad City Arts. The initiative is part of Alternating Currents, a four-day celebration of music, film, comedy and visual art that activates more than 40 venues across the Quad Cities.

Applications are due by Thursday, June 4, 2026. Artists must submit qualifications and portfolio samples online through Quad City Arts.

TO APPLY OR LEARN MORE: https://www.quadcityarts.com/muralfest-rfq-2026.html

AC Mural Fest is led through a regional placemaking partnership between the Downtown Davenport Partnership, Downtown Bettendorf Organization, Rock Island Downtown Alliance and Quad City Arts. The initiative is part of the broader Alternating Currents Festival, a four-day celebration of music, film, comedy and visual art that activates more than 40 venues across the Quad Cities.

ABOUT ALTERNATING CURRENTS

Founded in 2017 by the Downtown Davenport Partnership, Alternating Currents is a free, multi-city festival celebrating music, film, comedy and visual art across the Quad Cities. Powered through placemaking partnerships with downtown organizations throughout the region, the festival transforms businesses, public spaces and cultural venues into stages, galleries and gathering places for thousands of attendees each year.

With more than 200 performances, screenings, exhibits and events across four days, Alternating Currents highlights the creative energy of the Quad Cities while supporting local artists, businesses and community spaces.

This year’s leading supporters of Alternating Currents include Presenting Sponsors Regional Development Authority (RDA) and Rhythm City Casino Resort, as well as Major Partners The Goldstein Family Foundation, Luxtown.com, Scott County Regional Development Authority, Music Partner T-Fiber, and Accessibility Sponsor: Bechtel Trust.

Additional programming and supporting sponsors include: Nature’s Treatment of Illinois, The Last Picture House, Bent River Brewing Company, Express Employment Professionals, Hive Event Consulting and Visit Quad Cities.

Media partners include KWQC TV-6, WQPT, The Planet 93.9 and Townsquare Media.