County artists invited to apply for wall mural project

Design submissions will be accepted through Friday, Sept. 27

– The City of San Luis Obispo’s Public Art Program is seeking artists to transform a blank retaining wall into a mural at the intersection of Elks Lane and South Higuera Street. The City issued a request for proposals on Wednesday for the mural, titled “Heart and SLO: Celebrating the Essence and Spirit of Community.” Design submissions will be accepted through Friday, Sept. 27.

The program is looking for designs that reflect San Luis Obispo County’s diverse backgrounds, honor its history, and highlight its forward-thinking spirit, according to a press release from the city of SLO. The mural, which will be installed as a vinyl wrap on the retaining wall, should tell the stories of indigenous peoples, agricultural roots, and the innovation that shapes the community. Selected artists will receive a $5,000 stipend.

“San Luis Obispo is bursting with creative talent, and this is an exciting opportunity for local artists to leave their mark on our community,” said Amanda Grieshop, the City’s Public Art Coordinator. “The Heart and SLO mural isn’t just about art—it’s about celebrating who the city is and where the city is headed. We’re eager to see proposals that capture the essence of SLO and inspire our residents and visitors alike.”

The RFP is open to individual artists, artist teams, and community groups with a designated lead artist residing in San Luis Obispo County. Artwork must be original and must not include advertising, religious or political content, or certain imagery.

City staff and a selection committee, including local artists, community members, and representatives from various organizations, will review the applications. Selection criteria will focus on artistic excellence, originality, appropriateness of content, and the artist’s experience with similar projects.

For more information, visit www.slocity.org/PublicArt.