Artist Call: Commission for Materials Mobile
Help us turn our Materials Mobile trailer into a mobile work of art!
First round application closes: Monday, May 25, 2026 at 11:59PM
Austin Creative Reuse (ACR) is excited to partner with a local artist to creatively brand its Materials Mobile trailer, which ACR takes to local schools to distribute reclaimed educational materials to educators at no cost to them. Since launching the program in fall 2023, ACR has distributed more than 10,000 pounds of classroom supplies to more than 700 educators around Austin. Learn more about the Materials Mobile program here.
Affectionately called the “ice cream truck of school supplies,” our goal for this project is a Materials Mobile trailer that reflects both our conservation mission and the creativity of the ACR community, is recognizable as we drive around town or attend events and instantly sparks joy when we pull into a school campus.
We are open to designs and mediums of all kinds, as long as the trailer remains roadworthy and safe. Although not required, we are especially interested in projects that have a community component of the artist’s choice in the design and/or execution of the work. This could include hosting volunteers from the community in site prep, painting or finishing, collecting ideas from the community or artwork from local students to incorporate into the design, hosting a “make and take” drop-in art booth at the unveiling, hosting an artist talk, and much more.
We welcome applications from local artists of all kinds, including emerging artists. Unlike most artist opportunities offered by ACR, due to the nature of this project, reuse does not have to be a significant part of an artist’s work or their proposal for this project to qualify for consideration, although reuse artists are, of course, encouraged to apply.
The selected artist will be responsible for all aspects of the design and execution of the project - initial design, procuring tools and materials, executing the artwork (including any surface prep and finishing work required), and attending the unveiling.
Project Specifications
The work can be done at ACR’s creative reuse center (2005 Wheless Lane, Austin 78723) (outdoors) or at your location (with adequate security precautions in place).
The trailer must remain roadworthy and safe. Your work cannot impact the structural integrity (must remain waterproof) or longevity of the trailer.
Be mindful that the trailer is stored and used outdoors, so the design must be able to withstand summers in the hot Texas sun and other weather conditions. Finishing work will likely be required to ensure longevity of your art.
Design should span both sides and the front (half wall) of the trailer (approx. 168 sq. ft). The design may include the back wall/ramp (approx. 30 sq. ft.), provided that the design must leave some blank space for program partner logos to be added by ACR. See below for exact trailer dimensions.
Including a community component in the work is encouraged, but not required.
Trailer Specifications
The trailer is a 6 ft x 12 ft Interstate LoadRunner enclosed cargo trailer. The exterior walls are made of aluminum skin with a silver gloss finish. There is a 24-inch aluminum stone guard on the front to protect against road debris. There are raised screws running vertically along the panels and a door on the right front side of the trailer.
Trailer front and side with door
Trailer back
Trailer back with ramp open
The exact dimensions of the trailer are as follows:
Interior Width: 5 ft 8 in
Interior Height: 6 ft 7 in
Rear Door Height: 6 ft 0 in
Rear Door Width: 5 ft 3 in
Overall Length: 15 ft 9 in
Overall Width: 7 ft 10 in
Overall Height: 8 ft 7 in
Interior Length: 12 ft 4 in
The trailer is available for inspection during ACR’s normal business hours (with some exceptions due to programming). Please email us at artists@austincreativereuse.org if you would like to set an appointment to view the trailer to assist you in completing your application.
Artist Compensation
ACR staff will review first round applications and choose 3-5 finalists to progress to a second round. Finalists will be invited to complete a final design and project plan, including a description of the process and community engagement (if any), a list and description of materials to be used, materials budget and project timeline. Design requirements, including logo and wording specifications (if any), will be specified in the invitation to advance to the second round.
Finalists who successfully complete the second round application requirements will receive a stipend of $250 in recognition of the time they committed to their second round application.
The selected artist will receive a stipend between $3750 and $4250 for the project, depending on the nature of the work proposed, upon completion of the work. The artist will also have a budget up to $750 for materials available for reimbursement, including materials sourced from ACR.
Expected Timeline
First Round Applications Close: Monday, May 25, 2026 at 11:59PM
Finalists Invited to Second Round: Monday, June 1, 2026
Finalist Designs Due: Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 11:59PM
Award Made: Friday, June 19, 2026
Artist Completes Work: June 27, 2026 - July 25, 2026
Public Unveiling: Sunday, July 26, 2026, time TBD
Thank you for considering answering this Call for Artists to bring a little extra beauty and inspiration to our Materials Mobile program. We look forward to receiving your application.
Questions? Please reach out to us at artists@austincreativereuse.org.
This project is supported in part by an Elevate Grant of Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment.