Small Mural Mentor Program

The Small Mural Mentor Program is designed to pair experienced muralists with three novice artists to design and install small murals in Palmdale. This initiative supports one of the recommendations of Palmdale's Public Art Master Plan to attract and retain artists by providing support and opportunities to emerging, mid-career, and established local artists. Qualified novice artists are encouraged to submit materials for this project. Applications will be reviewed by the Public Art Program Manager, followed by an Artist Selection Panel review and recommendation to the Public Art Commission for final approval.

Three murals will be painted on 10th Street East on existing pump and generator enclosures at Palmdale Playhouse and Legacy Commons. Wall dimensions range from 5'6"H x 6'1"W to 8'H x 24'5"W. The all-inclusive budget for each mural project is $3,000. Selected mentee artists will receive a $500 stipend for their proposal and $1,500 upon completion for planning, paint supplies, and execution. Each mentor artist assigned by the City will receive $1,000. Participating mentor and mentee artists must provide insurance and obtain a current City of Palmdale business license.

Community input identified two preferred themes: creating meaningful, authentic, and culturally appropriate artworks to be enjoyed by the community, and reflecting on views such as mountains, sunsets, sunrises, stars, foothills, and blue skies. Selected novice artists will submit a color sketch or digital image of the proposed artwork to scale. Proposed artwork must be family-friendly and cannot depict sexual conduct, sexually explicit nudity, or advertise any activity illegal under California or United States law. Application requirements include artist's resume, 6-10 examples of previous artwork, 3 professional references, and a statement of interest. Important dates: Applications due March 28, 2024; concept designs due May 2, 2024; mural installation may begin June 20, 2024; murals must be completed by July 22, 2024.