SAN MARCOS, TEXAS -- The city of San Marcos offers grants and design assistance to mural artists in an effort to increase public art. Since 2015, the San Marcos Mural Arts Program and the San Marcos Arts Commission has set aside about $35,000 per year from hotel occupancy tax collections for murals.
The goal is placemaking. In January 2017 the city dedicated “The Electric Juice Progression,” designed and painted by Chase Hayles and Kelsey Huckaby, according to the San Marcos Mercury, as well as “Electric Jazz” at Eddie Durham Park last June.
The program has also funded murals at the city’s Children’s Park, Crook Park, Root Cellar Bakery, Hays County Justice Center and other locations.
San Marcos posts mural grant solicitations year-round, such as the current Crockett Elementary opportunity. Applications are due by May 22, 2017. The artist stipend for the project is $3,700, and at least 50 percent of materials for the project would be funded by the city.
San Marcos mural grant applications are judged on the following criteria:
- Artistic excellence
- Intricacy of design
- Appropriateness of the mural design and location
- Visibility
- Wow factor
- Ability to complete the project
- Impact on the community
- Impact of Mural Arts Grant funds on the project
- Ability to promote tourism
Grant-funded murals recognize the San Marcos Mural Arts program, and are dedicated by the city. Applications should include a preliminary drawing and suggest a plan for utilizing community volunteers to assist with painting the final mural.
Learn more about the Crockett Elementary mural application on the city of San Marcos’ website.
Access a program description and review applications requirements on the city’s website.
