We are excited to partner with the San Mateo Office of Arts and Culture to host the second annual Mural Madness live mural painting competition at the September Arts & Culture Fest on Sept. 26in downtown San Mateo. We invite emerging muralists to apply to participate in this fun event. Our intention is to give emerging muralists an opportunity to learn from a professional about becoming muralists and gain more visibility in the community. Painting will take place on Baldwin Ave at B Street from 10:30-4:30. The theme of the mural is “Community: Resilience.”

Guidelines:
Deadline to apply is Monday, August 3, 2026, 5:00 PM.
For emerging muralists only, must have been the lead on 2- 3 public art murals. Murals in retail shops, backyard fences, or any interior or exterior walls are acceptable.
A maximum of 10 muralists will be selected to participate.
An initial mural design sketch must be submitted with the application and if selected to participate the design can be refined and resubmitted. No AI generated images.
Artworks shall not contain images or words that can perceived as oppression, obscene or pornographic material matter; advocate or suggest the use of tobacco products or illegal/prohibited substances; advocate for or against political candidates, political campaigns, ballot measures, or political parties or organizations. 
The winner will be chosen by the community who will be able to vote throughout the event.
Winner will be given an opportunity to be to be paired with and mentored by a professional mural artist, assisting the artist on one of their commissions.
Murals may be displayed throughout the County as requested.
Murals will belong to the artists, but San Mateo County’s Office of Arts and Culture will have the right to display them for up to one year.

Supplies provided:
4’x8’ prepared wood panels
Paints & brushes
Tarps, buckets of water
For more info or to apply, https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/september-arts-culture-fest-2026