Call for Artists: Class of 2023 Gift Mural at UC Merced!
UC Merced is looking for passionate artists and artist collectives to bring a special vision to life! As part of the Class of 2023 Gift, we’re commissioning a stunning public art piece to be painted on-site at the side of the Granite Pass building. This mural will serve as a lasting tribute to the graduating class and should reflect the theme below while aligning with UC Merced’s Principles of Community.
About the Mural
- Location: Granite Pass building (Outdoors), 5200 N Lake Rd, Merced, CA 95343
- Theme: “Cuando me vean volar recuerden que ustedes me pintaron las alas” (“When you see me fly, remember you painted my wings”)
- Proposed Size: 34.04’ x 14.10' = 491 square ft.
- A reference image of the mural location is available below.
The Office of Alumni Relations, with support from university review panels, will review submissions and select the final artist and design.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute a meaningful artistic legacy to UC Merced. We invite artists to submit their most compelling and inspired designs!
Projected Calendar (Dates are subject to change)
- June - July 2026 | Office of Alumni Relations and Class of 2023 Committee selects a shortlist of artists and artwork
- July 2026 | Shortlist artists are interviewed and selected artist(s) will be notified
- July - August 2026 | Project completed
- August - September 2026 | Unveiling + Social Media Announcement
Reference: Mural Location
Submission Requirements
Submit design concepts and all required materials via email at alumni@ucmerced.edu with the subject line "[YOUR NAME] 2023 Muralist Submission." Please ensure all materials are clearly labeled.
- Letter of Interest
- Outline your artistic focus, career highlights, qualifications, and interest in this project.
- One-Page Budget
- Must include artist fee, wall preparation, art installation, and all equipment, material, and insurance costs.
- Current CV/Resume
- Highlight experience with public art and/or murals.
- Website and/or Social Media (preferred but not required)
- Portfolio – 5 Images of Recent or Relevant Work
- JPEG or PNG format, minimum 300 dpi.
- Include a written image list with title, media, size, materials, and a brief (1-2 sentence) description.
- 1-2 References
Additional Information
- Open to experienced artists from California, age 18 or older.
- Local artists are preferred but not required.
- UC Merced reserves the right to decline all submissions if no suitable proposals are presented.
- No entry fee is required.
- All rights to the artwork design and completed installation will become the property of the Regents of the University of California.
