Image courtesy of City of Alexandria
Mobile Art Lab
The City of Alexandria is offering community organizations, businesses and event organizers the opportunity to apply to host the Mobile Art Lab at their free public events.
This dynamic art-filled vehicle provides hands-on visual and performing arts activities led by professional artists. It brings a range of art materials and creative experiences directly to your free event, engaging participants of all ages.
Don't miss out. Apply now!
What Events Are Eligible?
The Mobile Art Lab is available for new and existing, indoor/outdoor, free-to-attend events and activities that are open to the public within the Alexandria city limits, including but not limited to:
Eligible:
Public and community spaces (recreation centers, libraries, parks, and schools)
Local businesses and neighborhood gatherings
Special events and pop-ups
Not Eligible:
Political rallies, fundraisers, commercial marketing, private parties or events by special-interest groups. For questions about eligibility, email arts@alexandriava.gov.
What to Know Before Applying
The Mobile Art Lab schedule is limited and may not be available for your event due to existing scheduling conflicts.
Event organizers must comply with city permits (e.g., special event permits, parking, noise, or health permits) as required.
The host site must accommodate the Mobile Art Lab vehicle (22' x 8' x 9'), including parking and space for the art activity.
How Requests Are Evaluated
Applications will be reviewed based on several goals, including the following: date of event, anticipated audience, location, size, and logistics.
How to Apply
Complete the online application by Monday, March, 9, and provide:
A description of the proposed engagement
Event location and target audience details
Estimated number of attendees and visibility potential
Any potential partnerships, sponsorships, or host organization affiliations
Request Guideline
The Mobile Art Lab aims to conduct 30-40 engagements per year, including events produced by the Office of the Arts.
All requests must be for events or activations that are free and open to the public.
Private events, rallies, political events, fundraisers, special-interest events, and marketing events targeting a product or service will not be considered.
Some weeks are pre-committed to city-wide Signature events (e.g., ALX Jazz Fest, City Birthday, New Year's Eve) or engagements already in development through the Office of the Arts.
Events must comply with city permitting needs (examples may include Special Event permits, parking permits, noise permits, or health permits).
The event must be able to accommodate the Mobile Art Lab vehicle (22 x 8 x 9 ft) plus room for the art activity and audiences, including parking spaces and vehicle access.
Key Dates
Feb. 11 - Application opens
Feb. 23 - Virtual information session (Find the meeting invitation here)
March 9 - Application deadline
March 20 - Notifications sent to selected applicants
Frequently Asked Questions:
What types of art programming can I request?
We will develop the art engagement in discussion with the organizer. All activities are either a demonstration or a collaborative hands-on activity, usually under 5 minutes. Examples include printmaking, collage-making, button-making, coloring pages, facepainting, temporary tattoos, and collaborative painting projects, to name a few.
What is the range of available times for the Art Lab at an event?
We ask that all event requests have a minimum of one hour and a maximum of three hours.
Can I request the Mobile Art Lab for a birthday party or a team-building event?
The Mobile Art Lab can only go to events that are free and open to the public.
I’m flexible in terms of where I can host my event or at what time of year. Should I still apply?
Yes! Even if you are not selected during the Open Call timeframe, our team reviews applications throughout the year and may reach out to you if availability allows. However, it is best to have a clear idea of your event before submitting.
Can I host an event outside of the City of Alexandria?
The Mobile Art Lab only serves events that are free and open to the public within the City of Alexandria.
What if my event is not selected?
Due to availability constraints, your event request might not be selected at this time. However, our Mobile Art Lab team will continue to review applications throughout the year and may be in contact for a later date as availability allows.
