The Canal Mural

The Canal Arts nonprofit is sponsoring a mural project for the Albert J. Boro Community Center in San Rafael, California's Canal district, part of a citywide public arts program. The organization is affiliated with Canal Alliance and thirteen other Marin County organizations.

The mural will celebrate the story of the Canal community, featuring four elements of approximately equal size: the area's prehistoric origins as Coast Miwok tribal land (over 12,000 years), immigration history, Canal cultures, and tribute to the community's response to the pandemic. The painted area is 844 square feet. The Canal Arts will conduct community-engaged activities, selecting 2-3 interested or skilled persons from the community to work with and learn from the selected artist(s). A video documentary of the project will be created, crediting the artist(s).

Eligible applicants are experienced mural artists, including emerging artists. Teams of multiple artists may apply. Submissions must include: $33 entry fee, 6-10 digital images of past work per artist, résumé (including languages spoken) and references for previous mural work, statement of interest with relevant media links, and a concept proposal for the Boro Center Mural in text and image format. Three finalists will be selected by 12/1/22 to complete a fully developed proposal by 1/10/23. Two finalists will be awarded $500 for their submittal. The selected artist(s) will receive a $26,000 contract to create the mural during May-June 2023. Travel expenses may be considered for long-distance applicants. Selection will be based on the quality of submittals and the artist's understanding of the Canal community, regardless of artist location.