Request for Qualifications (RFQ) - MLK Center at Sacramento State University

Project Overview

Blue Line Arts, with support from the Martin Luther King Jr. Center at California State University Sacramento, invites current students, faculty/staff, and alumni to submit qualifications for a public mural commission.

This project will result in a dynamic, culturally resonant mural that reflects the Black American experience, with a focus on education, empowerment, and cultural legacy. The mural will serve as a visual anchor within the Center—welcoming, inspiring, and affirming all who enter.

Additional Information:

https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/centers-programs/mlk-scholars/

The selected artist will develop one or two fully realized concept proposals, which will be reviewed by MLK Center staff and students. This collaborative process ensures the final design honors the community’s voice and aligns with the mural’s vision prior to installation.

Artistic Vision & Themes

Artists are encouraged to explore and interpret the following interconnected themes:

• Black American Experience - Narratives reflecting identity, history, resilience, joy, and cultural contribution.

• Education & Empowerment - The transformative role of education within Black communities—past, present, and future.

• Cultural Legacy & Excellence - Celebrating achievements, influence, and the ongoing shaping of culture, knowledge, and leadership.

• Community & Representation - Creating imagery that fosters belonging, pride, and visibility within the campus environment.

The final mural should feel powerful, affirming, and culturally grounded, contributing to the MLK Center as a space of reflection, connection, and inspiration.

Project Scope & Budget

• Mural Size: 153 sq ft
• Artist Compensation:
  • $25/sq ft installation fee = $3,825
  • $250 stipend for concept design (paid to selected artist)
• Total Potential Compensation: $4,075
• 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 and staff
• Alumni

Artists with lived experience or a strong connection to the themes of this project are especially encouraged to apply.

Selection Process

• The MLK Center will select an artist based on qualifications.
• The selected artist will develop 1–2 concept proposals aligned with the Center’s thematic direction.
• Staff and student stakeholders will participate in the final concept selection process.
• Final approval will be required prior to installation.

Project Timeline

RFQ Open Application Period
March 23rd – April 5th, 2026 by 11:59PM

Artist Notifications & Concept Development
April 6 – April 12, 2026

Concept Refinement & Approval
April 13 – April 28, 2026

Contracting & Agreement Execution
April 29 – May 12, 2026

Mural Installation Period
May 1 – May 31, 2026

Target Completion Date:
May 31, 2026

Site & Installation Notes

• Mural walls have been prepared (patched and painted) and are ready for installation.
• The MLK Center will remain operational; however, alternative entry access will be available to minimize disruption.
• Blue Line Arts will provide logistical coordination, scheduling support, and oversight throughout installation.

Scope of Services

The selected artist will:

• Develop 1–2 original mural concepts aligned with project themes
• Incorporate feedback from MLK Center 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 excellence and originality
• Demonstrated ability to translate cultural narratives into visual form
• Alignment with project themes
• Feasibility and readiness to complete within timeline
• Engagement with or understanding of Black cultural experiences and histories

Equity & Inclusion Statement

Blue Line Arts is committed to advancing equity through public art. This project prioritizes authentic representation and cultural integrity, and strongly encourages applications from artists whose identities and lived experiences align with the themes of this work.

About the Partnership

This collaboration between Blue Line Arts and the MLK Center at California State University Sacramento reflects a shared commitment to creating public art that uplifts voices, honors histories, and strengthens community through visual storytelling.

Contact & Submission Information

If interested, please submit an application online prior to April 5th, 2026 at 11:59PM.  For questions or if alternative submission methods are needed, please contact: marytess@bluelinearts.org