In 2023, the Mercer County Cultural & Heritage Commission issued a Request for Qualifications (Phase 1), inviting artists/artist teams who wish to be considered to submit their interest and qualifications for the creation of a public mural. This mural was to be installed on an exterior 319 ft (w) x 19 ft (h) wall (located at 600 Cass Street, Trenton, NJ) on the New Jersey State Prison.  

The Call received over 50 applicants. The qualification submittals were evaluated and reviewed by a committee of locals and art experts. The committee then invited the top 6 qualified candidates to present a full, in-person proposal for the design and fabrication of a mural. 

Traditionally, Trenton’s South Ward has been a multicultural entryway for diverse groups of people. Those finalists selected by the Committee to submit a full proposal for the project were expected to incorporate, in some way, the following key words/phrases into their final design: 

• Vibrant & Welcoming 

• Inclusive & Aspirational 

• Iconic & Eye-catching 

• Embracing Community 

After each phase, Artworks Trenton Inc.’s design received the $150,000 awarded contract and completed their mural titled “Breaking Barriers” in January 2025.  

To learn more about the Breaking Barrier’s mural, visit https://artworkstrenton.org/the-breaking-barriers-mural/