Request for Qualifications (RFQ): Esak’timá Center at Sacramento State University

Project Overview

Blue Line Arts, in partnership with the Esak’timá Center at California State University Sacramento, invites Sacramento State students, faculty, and alumni to submit qualifications for a meaningful public mural commission.

The Esak’timá Center (eh-sack-tee-mah) at Sacramento State, residing on Miwok, Maidu, and Nisenan land, strives to support the academic and holistic success of Native American and Alaska Native students and welcomes all students to come learn and engage with our communities. Center provides services that support students in their academic journey including academic advising, workshops, peer advising, scholarship referrals, cultural presentations and workshops, student leadership opportunities, and connecting with campus and community resources.

Additional Information:

Esak’timá Center Services | Sacramento State

The selected artist will design and install a mural that creates a welcoming, affirming, and inspiring space—one that reflects belonging, growth, and achievement.

Artistic Vision & Themes

Artists are encouraged to thoughtfully interpret the following themes:

• Cultural Representation: Such as symbolism representative of the Esak’timá community cultures, reflections of the people whose land Sac State is located, may be incorporated as guiding or supportive elements.

• Education as Empowerment: Visual references may include graduation caps, diplomas, books, or symbolic pathways toward academic success.

• Support & Belonging: Imagery should reflect community, mentorship, and students.

• Hope & Possibility: The mural should feel uplifting, empowering, and forward-looking, honoring both personal and academic transformation.

Project Scope & Budget

• Mural Size: 132 sq ft
• Artist Compensation:
  • $25/sq ft installation fee = $3,300
  • $250 stipend for concept design (paid to selected finalist)
• Total Potential Compensation: $3,550
• The selected artist will provide all supplies, equipment and materials needed to complete the project onsite.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open exclusively to artists affiliated with California State University Sacramento, including:

• Current students
• Faculty
• Alumni

Emerging and established artists are strongly encouraged to apply.

Selection Process

• A Finalist will be selected based on qualifications by the Center’s leadership team.
• The selected artist will develop a concept proposal aligned with the Center’s objectives.
• Final concept approval will be made prior to fabrication and installation.

Project Timeline

RFQ Open Application Period
May 29 - June 12, 2026 by 11:59PM

Artist Notifications
June 19, 2026

Concept Design, Approval, & Contracting
June 19 - July 17, 2026

Mural Installation Period
July 20 - 31, 2026

Target Completion Date:
July 31, 2026

Scope of Services

The selected artist will:

• Develop an original mural concept aligned with project themes
• Incorporate feedback from stakeholders
• Execute mural installation within the agreed timeline
• Collaborate with Blue Line Arts on logistics and implementation

Submission Requirements

Interested artists should submit the following materials. Strong applications will clearly demonstrate artistic excellence, thoughtful alignment with the project themes, and the ability to successfully complete a public-facing mural.

1. Statement of Interest (Maximum 1 Page)

This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and share why this project matters to you.  Please include:

• • A brief overview of your artistic practice and influences
  • Why you are interested in this specific mural opportunity
  • How your work connects to the project themes (cultural identity, education, community, etc.)
  • Any relevant lived experience, perspective, or connection to the community the mural represents
  • Your approach to creating artwork in shared/public spaces

Tip: Strong statements are specific, personal, and clearly connect your work to the purpose of the mural.

2. Resume or CV (Maximum 2 Pages)

Provide a current resume highlighting relevant experience.  Please include:

• • Public art or mural experience (if applicable)
  • Exhibitions, commissions, or past projects
  • Education and/or training (formal or informal)
  • Any experience working with communities, cultural centers, schools or collaborative projects
  • Relevant skills (e.g., large-scale painting, project management, collaborations, etc.)

Note: Emerging artists without extensive public art experience are still encouraged to apply—demonstrated commitment and transferable skills are valued.

3. Portfolio (5–10 Work Samples)

Submit a curated selection of your strongest and most relevant work.  For each work sample, include:

• • Title, medium, dimensions, and year
  • Brief description (1–3 sentences) providing context or concept
  • Your role in the project (especially for collaborative work)

Preferred content:

• • Murals or large-scale work (if available)
  • Work that demonstrates storytelling, cultural themes, or community engagement
  • Examples that show your ability to translate ideas into visually compelling compositions

Tip: Quality over quantity—select work that best represents your style, skill, and ability to execute this type of project.

4. Connection to California State University Sacramento (Brief Statement)

Provide a short description (2–4 sentences) of your connection to Sacramento State.

This may include:

• • Current student, faculty, staff, or alumni status
    Department, program, or area of study/work (if applicable)
  • Any involvement with campus communities, organizations, or cultural centers

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Artistic quality and originality
• Demonstrated experience with public or community-based art
• Alignment with project themes
• Feasibility of execution within timeline and scope
• Connection to and understanding of the target community

Equity & Inclusion Statement

Blue Line Arts is committed to advancing equity through public art. Artists from historically underrepresented communities—particularly those with lived experience related to the themes of this project—are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the Partnership

This project is a collaboration between Blue Line Arts and the Esak’timá Center, dedicated to supporting student success, access, and belonging. Together, we aim to create a mural that not only beautifies space but amplifies stories that deserve to be seen, honored, and celebrated.

Contact & Submission Information

If interested, please submit an application online prior to June 12th, 2026 at 11:59PM.  For questions or if alternative submission methods are needed, please contact: nico@bluelinearts.org