The City of San Marcos is offering grants and design assistance to artists in an effort to place murals on private property throughout the city.
“Murals can enliven an otherwise drab alley or parking lot and add to the character and sense of place in a community,” said Amy Kirwin, Solid Waste Coordinator. “Murals can also beautify an area by covering and preventing graffiti.”
The program is sponsored by the San Marcos Mural Arts Program and the San Marcos Arts Commission using money allocated from the City’s hotel occupancy tax collections.
Applications are accepted year-round and are judged on the following criteria:
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Artistic excellence
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Intricacy of design
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Appropriateness of the mural design and location
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Visibility
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“Wow” factor
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Ability to complete the project
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Impact on the community
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Impact of Mural Arts Grant funds on the project
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Ability to promote tourism
The Mural Arts Committee will fund up to 50 percent of the cost of materials and supplies and the full cost of a final clear coat of the mural. The committee will also pay an artist honorarium according to the following scale:
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Murals 100-150 square feet – up to $1,500
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Murals 151-200 square feet – up to $2,000
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Murals 201-250 square feet – up to $2,500
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Murals above 251 square feet – to be determined by the committee
Applicants must agree to include the San Marcos Mural Arts logo on the mural, recognize the San Marcos Mural Arts program in any press or advertising, allow the City to conduct a dedication ceremony, allow use of the mural image for promotional purposes, and accommodate any other reasonable requests made by the Mural Arts Committee.
For more information about the San Marcos Mural Arts Grant Program, please contact Lisa Morris at 512.393.8400 or by email at
lmorris@sanmarcostx.gov.