Santa Maria Transit Center Mural Public Art Call
Professional and emerging artists invited to submit mural proposals for Santa Maria Transit Center. Stipend provided, priority to local artists.
The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is seeking professional and emerging artists from the Central Coast to submit proposals for a vibrant mural at the Santa Maria Transit Center located at 400 Boone St. This public art installation should celebrate Santa Maria's cultural diversity, history, and sense of community pride. The Transit Center serves as a hub of movement and connection for city residents and visitors, and the completed mural will transform the exterior wall into a bold visual landmark in downtown Santa Maria's heart.
The selected artist will receive a stipend to create a high-resolution, print-ready design suitable for large-scale vinyl reproduction and installation on aluminum panels. The City will cover all production and installation costs. This project offers artists a unique opportunity to bring color, creativity, and local identity to one of Santa Maria's busiest public spaces.
Eligibility is open to artists living in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties, with priority consideration given to artists living or working in Santa Maria or whose work reflects the community's cultural heritage. Selection criteria include: artistic quality and creativity; relevance to community themes and Santa Maria's identity; experience with public art or large-format digital design; technical feasibility for fabrication; alignment with city values of inclusivity and accessibility; and potential impact as a visual landmark.
Designs must be submitted in PDF format by November 23, 2025. Winners will be notified by December 8, 2025, and the final artwork will be installed during winter 2025-26. For complete details and the full Call for Artists document, visit www.cityofsantamaria.org/recreation.