San Rafael Public Art Program

About the Program

The City of San Rafael has launched a Public Art Program to enhance Downtown vitality and celebrate the city’s cultural identity. Funded by a $250,000 California Arts Commission grant, the program will bring five new public art installations—including murals, mosaics, and sculptures—to highly visible locations across downtown.

The program is facilitated by the arts curation firm Local Edition Creative, with guidance from the Downtown San Rafael Arts District (DSRAD) steering committee.

Public Participation

The public is now invited to follow the process and provide feedback on the semifinalist proposals. You can view the proposals and share your input through digital surveys and in-person review events during the public comment period from October 20th to November 8th. Public feedback will be considered by the City and the artists before the final review board meeting. The jury will review all proposals and make final recommendations, taking all public comments into account, before one proposal is selected as a finalist and installation of the mural.  

Community input is central to this project. Opportunities include:

• June 2023, 2025 - City Council authorizes the Public Art Program

• October 2025 – Online surveys and in-person events to review draft designs

• Winter 2025/26 – Public Art Review Board meeting to consider final proposals.

• Jan/Feb 2026 – San Rafael City Council review and public comment session.

• Summer 2026 - Final artworks installation & celebration