This award-winning program, curated and managed by UP Art Studio, commissions artists to paint small-scale murals on traffic signal control cabinets and other utility cabinets in the right of way in diverse neighborhoods of Texas cities. Over the past 5 years, UP Art Studio has commissioned artists to paint more than 300 Mini Murals. Major funders have included the City of Houston, City of Austin, management districts, and others. The program has many upcoming opportunities for commissions in 2021.


How to Apply

To apply to join the Artist Registry, artists should visit the Artist Info page at MiniMurals.org and review the following materials:

The application form, with supporting documents, must be electronically submitted by March 15, 2021. Selected artists will be informed by March 30, 2021.

Artists accepted for the Registry receive ongoing notifications of Calls for Renderings. These opportunities to submit ideas for specific, funded Mini Murals commissions are open only to artists in the Mini Murals Artist Registry. Responding to the Call for Artists is therefore an essential foundational step towards receiving a commission. UP Art Studio and its clients particularly seek diverse artists, with lived experience of project areas – which include many underserved areas that historically have been home to people of color. 

Applications received after the March 15 deadline will be held for consideration by the review panel until the next Call occurs.


2021 Opportunities for Texas Artists

Upcoming Mini Murals project commissions are anticipated to include:

  • City of Houston, District C
  • City of Houston, District H
  • Near Northwest
  • East Aldine
  • League City, Texas
  • LaPorte, Texas

“The pandemic has hit artists hard, and we are grateful to our wonderful clients for funding programs that allowed us to pay artists in 2020.” — Noah Quiles, UP Art Studio

Many Texas artists have contributed their creativity to the Mini Murals Program. Visit the Artists page at MiniMurals.org to see artists already accepted for the Artist Registry. For more information, contact info@UPartStudio.org.

Location: Canal @ Sampson, Artist: Joy Matheson