Request for Qualifications (RFQ): El Centro Serna at Sacramento State University

Project Overview

Blue Line Arts, in partnership with El Centro Serna at California State University Sacramento, invites Sacramento State students, faculty, staff, and alumni to submit qualifications for a public mural commission.

El Centro Serna is dedicated to fostering community, belonging, and cultural celebration for Latine students, who represent a significant and vibrant portion of Latin American and Indigenous communities. This mural will serve as a visual reflection of identity, heritage, and the transformative power of education—creating a welcoming and inspiring space for all who enter.

Additional Information about El Centro Serna:

Mission: Our mission goes beyond individual growth - it reflects our commitment to fostering community and belonging for the nearly 40% of Latine students at Sacramento State, while warmly welcoming all students to engage, learn, & celebrate Latine culture.

Pillars: self-advocacy, empowerment, belonging, civic engagement, leadership

Events & services: https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/centers-programs/serna-center/

Chicanx/Latinx Recognition Ceremony: https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/spotlights/chicano-latino-recognition-ceremony.html

About the Sernas: https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/centers-programs/serna-center/the-sernas.html

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacstatecentroserna/

The selected artist will design and install a mural that reflects the Center’s mission while honoring the stories, resilience, and aspirations of Latine students at Sacramento State.

Artistic Vision & Themes

Artists are encouraged to thoughtfully interpret the following themes:

The Story of the Sun & Roots - The mural should incorporate this symbolic relationship:

• The sun represents life, warmth, guidance, renewal, and the belief that every student deserves to shine.
• The roots represent ancestry, history, sacrifice, and resilience—honoring the generations that support and uplift each student’s journey.
• Together, these elements should express growth, connection, and transformation.

Identity & Cultural Heritage: Imagery reflecting the richness and diversity of Latine cultures, histories, and lived experiences.

Education & First-Generation Achievement: Honoring the journeys of first-generation students and the role of education as a pathway to opportunity and empowerment.

Community, Belonging & Leadership: Reflecting the Serna Center’s core pillars: self-advocacy, empowerment, belonging, civic engagement, and leadership.

Legacy & Continuity: Recognizing the legacy of the Serna family and the broader collective effort to uplift future generations.

Project Scope & Budget

• Mural Size: 25 ft x 10.5 ft (262.5 sq ft)
• Artist Compensation:
  • $25/sq ft installation fee = $6,562.50
  • $250 stipend for concept design (paid to selected artist)
• Total Potential Compensation: $6,812.50
• 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

Emerging and established artists are strongly encouraged to apply. Artists with cultural connection or lived experience related to the themes are especially encouraged.

Selection Process

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

Project Timeline

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

Artist Notifications & Concept Development
April 7 – April 13, 2026

Concept Approval & Contracting
April 14 – May 4, 2026

Mural Installation Period
May 20 – June 3, 2026

Target Completion Date:
May 31, 2026 

Scope of Services

The selected artist will:

• Develop an original mural concept aligned with project themes
• Incorporate feedback from Serna 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. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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 Latine student community

Equity & Inclusion Statement

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

About the Partnership

This project is a collaboration between Blue Line Arts and El Centro Serna, which serves as a vital hub for connection, cultural celebration, and student success. Together, we aim to create a mural that not only enhances the space but honors the stories, identities, and collective strength of the Latine community at Sacramento State.

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