City of Rancho Cucamonga 2026 Mini Mural Project

The City of Rancho Cucamonga is issuing a Request for Qualifications from artists, or artist teams, to design and install mini mural projects on select cement directional markers along the Pacific Electric Trail, located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The mini murals will be located at key intersections along the Pacific Electric Trail and visible to vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic.

We invite professional artists 18 years and older to submit their qualifications for this project.  

Selected artist(s) will receive $1,500.00 stipend for the design, fabrication, and installation of the art mural.

Click here to view the full Call for Artist

Click here to view the full Call for Artist

Call Summary

The City of Rancho Cucamonga is issuing a Request for Qualifications from artists, or artist teams, to design and install mini mural projects on select cement directional markers along the Pacific Electric Trail, located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The mini murals will be located at key intersections along the Pacific Electric Trail and visible to vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. 

The project goals for the Mini Mural Project along the Pacific Electric Trail are to enhance the route's aesthetic appeal, promote local artists, and provide a surprise and delight opportunity for community members. These murals will support the implementation of the RC Public Art Plan by placing art along a community-identified priority area and establishing the City’s art mural program. The Mini Murals will beautify the trail and foster a sense of connection and community pride by further enhancing a beloved community green space. 

As part of the City's 50th Anniversary celebration, the Mini Mural Project offers artists an opportunity to help commemorate Rancho Cucamonga's past, present, and future through vibrant, site-specific artwork. Selected designs should capture the spirit of celebration while reflecting the unique character of the community—whether through local stories, history, regional landscapes and native environment, cultural traditions, or personal interpretations of what Rancho Cucamonga means to the artist. The City encourages creative, welcoming designs that inspire community pride and create meaningful connections for residents and visitors alike. 

Project Site Description

The Pacific Electric Trail (PET) is a free public access trail designed for walking, cycling, and equestrian uses that spans 21 miles from Claremont, CA, to Rialto, CA, approximately 8 miles of which is in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The trail was developed as a Rails-to- Trails project and is a vital recreation corridor supporting access to safe green space in our community and the City’s goal of improving the quality of life among residents. During the RC Public Art community engagement process, the Pacific Electric Trail emerged as a high-priority area for public art placement. Infusing this vibrant trail with public art will not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but will support the City’s placemaking efforts and inspire community pride and engagement. The Pacific Electric Trail, with its blend of recreation, represents a dynamic force in shaping a more vibrant and cohesive community for us all.

Mini Mural Project Site Scope

The scope of the Mini Mural Project includes designing and painting two sides of the directional marker measuring approximately 18” wide and 36” tall and the top of the directional marker measuring about 20” by 20”; see the measurement guide in the Call for Artist for reference.

The project will cover three (3) intersection locations: 

• Pacific Electric Trail at Milliken Ave. [two directional markers] 
• Pacific Electric Trail at Rochester Ave. [two directional markers] 
• Pacific Electric Trail at Day Creek Blvd. [two directional markers] 

Artist Eligibility

• Artists must be 18 years or older to apply
• Application is open to professional artists
• Preference will be given to artists who reside in the Inland Empire region

Budget

• Artists will be awarded a $1,500.00 stipend per directional marker; this is inclusive of all artist design fees, supplies, fabrication, and time spent
• Selection and funding are contingent upon a signed agreement between the artist and the City of Rancho Cucamonga. The stipend will be distributed in two payments: $500 for the completion of the artwork design concept and $1000 to be paid upon the completed installation of the artwork

For consideration, include the items on the following list.  

1. Artist Statement of Interest, (750 words maximum)  

• How would your proposed mural celebrate Rancho Cucamonga's 50th Anniversary? Please describe how your design would reflect the city's stories, history, regional nature, community identity, or what Rancho Cucamonga means to you and the people who live, work, and visit here.
• Describe your experience creating public art murals and why you believe your work would be appropriate for this project.
• Describe your process for incorporating community input in the design and/or creation of art projects.
• Describe how you would complete the project goals within the outlined budget and timeline.

2. Professional Resume + References (1,500 words maximum) 

• Submission must include a current resume that outlines your professional accomplishments as an artist.
• Three Professional References: Contact information for references should include name, title and affiliation, phone number, and email address.

3. Images and description of Previous Work, Digital Images (up to 10) of recent previous work (created within the past 10 years). 

• Each image should include title, year, media, location, project budget, dimensions, commissioning agency, and collaborators
  or design professionals (if applicable). Files should be titled LastnameFirstname_projectname

Timeline: 

Project Timeline:

• RFP Release: September 21, 2026
• Application Submission Deadline: October 22, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. (PDT) or until 100 applications have been received
• Art Selection Panel Review: October 27 – November 2, 2026
• Artist Interviews (if required): November 4 – 12, 2026
• Selected Finalists Notified: November 17 – 19, 2026
• Concept Development and Review: November 24, 2026 – January 14, 2027
• Project(s) Installed: February 2027*

*All dates are subject to change at the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s discretion   

• Artists must be 18 years or older to apply
• Application is open to professional artists
• Preference will be given to artists who reside in the Inland Empire region