Rancho Cucamonga Mini Mural Project 2026–27: $1,500 Per Marker, Apply by October 22
The City of Rancho Cucamonga, California, is commissioning artists to design and paint mini murals on concrete directional markers along the Pacific Electric Trail. Applications are open to professional artists aged at least 18, with a deadline of October 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time, or earlier if the city receives 100 applications. The selected artist receives a fee of $1,500 per marker, covering design, materials, fabrication and installation. This is a public-art commission with on-site execution, not a competition whose winner is paid solely for an online concept image.
Six physical trail markers, three locations
The project concerns six directional markers at three trail intersections: Milliken Avenue, Rochester Avenue and Day Creek Boulevard. The city is using its fiftieth-anniversary celebrations as the context for artworks that highlight community identity, local history, the landscape or experiences along the trail. The markers are outdoor concrete structures, with art to be placed on designated surfaces while existing wayfinding and plaque areas remain legible. An artist should look at the official measurement guide before planning scale or visual complexity.
Who can apply, and why local involvement matters
Professional artists and artist teams aged 18 or older may apply. The call itself is open, but the city states a preference for people who live, work or study in Rancho Cucamonga or the surrounding Inland Empire region. An applicant from elsewhere should not assume that 'open call' cancels this practical preference. Site familiarity, ability to travel for painting and experience delivering outdoor public art will help determine whether the opportunity is feasible. The selection is also subject to a city agreement and administrative requirements.
What does the $1,500 commission cover?
The fee is $1,500 per directional marker, not $1,500 for each painted face or an additional material allowance. It is intended to cover the design effort, supplies, artist labour, fabrication and installation. The payment schedule in the municipal brief divides this into $500 after completion of the approved design concept and $1,000 after installation. Artists must therefore build a realistic budget for exterior-grade paints, surface preparation and local transportation, and should confirm taxes and liability requirements before signing.
From qualification package to final painting
Applications are considered by a selection panel in late October and early November, with interviews possible on November 4–12 and finalist notification expected November 17–19. After selection, design concepts will be developed and reviewed from late November through mid-January, and installation is planned for February 2027. The artwork must not be installed until the city approves the design and the artist has completed required contracts and liability forms. Dates may change at the municipality's discretion.
Submitting through CaFÉ: there is no entry fee
The project uses the CaFÉ online platform. Applicants register a free account, choose 'Apply to Calls' and search for the City of Rancho Cucamonga 2026 Mini Mural Project. The application requires an artist statement of interest, capped at 750 words, explaining how the proposed mural will relate to the city's anniversary, history or landscape and what relevant mural experience the applicant brings. Other files and qualification details must follow the city's complete instructions. No application fee is charged.
For digital artists working in public space
Digital illustration and graphics may be useful in planning a design, but this opportunity requires artwork that can be transferred onto outdoor concrete surfaces. An artist with a digital-only practice should consider whether they can personally produce and protect a physical painted finish at the site. Proposed imagery needs to work for pedestrians and cyclists while preserving directional signage. Preparing an accurate mock-up and a practical installation method can be more persuasive than a beautiful image that cannot withstand the weather.
Municipal sources
Checked October 18, 2026. The application may close early at 100 submissions; confirm current status on CaFÉ. Do not submit an old concept in place of the required qualification package.