To contribute to a more welcoming campus community environment, Long Beach City College’s (LBCC) Public Art Advisory Group issued an open call to artists to help design an exterior façade/mural at the College’s Liberal Arts Campus, with a focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. The deadline for applications is Fri., April 7, 2023.

“It is important that we create a place where students, our employees and the community-at-large feel like they are seen and included in our campus community,” said Long Beach Community College District (LBCCD) Board of Trustees President Herlinda Chico. “This is our first step to create our own public art collection. It will be wonderful to see how the selected artist interprets our request to reflect the diversity of LBCC’s community.”

The artwork would be located on the exterior wall of the new Building M at LBCC’s Liberal Arts Campus. The commissioned piece, measuring 18 feet in height by 15 feet in length, can be created from any materials of the artist’s choosing that can endure complete exposure to the elements. The budget for the mural is $30,000, and the targeted date for the unveiling ceremony for the finished work is Aug. 25, 2023.

“The new mural will not only enhance our current campus aesthetic, but will also create a new link between LBCC and our greater community,” said LBCC’s Superintendent-President, Dr. Mike Muñoz. “Art can be a great vehicle to capture our imagination, spur inner creativity, or enhance a sense of wellness, and I love that we have this opportunity to engage with our community. I am looking forward to seeing the submissions from our talented pool of local artists.”

Artists are invited to submit a letter of interest with artwork samples and qualifications that are relevant to the commission by no later than Fri., April 7 at 5 p.m. for consideration. Interested members of the community can find detailed information and requirements, at https://www.lbcc.edu/deia-public-art-advisory-group, and click on “Opportunities.” Submissions can be emailed to publicart@LBCC.edu.

“The Public Art Advisory Group encourages historically underrepresented groups to apply,” said Dr. Janét Hund, LBCC’s Interim Dean of Visual, Performing Arts & Cultural Programs. “Also, artists who live and work in Southern California, or who have a clear connection to the region, will be strongly considered.”

For help in determining their creative approach to the installation, the Advisory Group encourages artists to engage critically with the District’s mission and the vision of the public art program on campus, and the Public Art Group Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Statement.