ARTIST RESOURCES

PSAA HELPED create a comprehensive presentation that covers all the essentials of mural production. This includes: Mural Process Overview, Permissions & Permits, Design & Community Engagement, Supplies, Site Evaluation, Wall Preparation, Safety & Public Interaction, and Design Transfer Methods.

This virtual workshop presented by Tiffany Conklin, PSAA Executive Director, and long -time Portland muralist, Alex Chiu, sharing steps on taking original artwork and scaling it up to a mural. Includes tips from buying paint, getting your project approved, to involving community members. Presented virtually on April 14, 2022 for the City of Beaverton. Approximately 2 hours in duration. Learn more at www.BeavertonOregon.gov/Arts

PSAA ARTIST ROSTER + MAILING LIST

PSAA accepts new artist applications for our roster twice a year, once in January and once in October. We encourage Portland Area and Pacific Northwest muralists with at least one completed mural to apply at this time.

The application process is open for one week and will be advertised on our Instagram page and on our website.

When clients approach PSAA looking for artists to commission, or PSAA is planning a Community Art Project, we pull from these rosters to make a specialized list that matches project needs and preferences. PSAA’s roster is not public.

We also periodically put out Calls for Art for other entities via our newsletter. You do not need to be on the PSAA to apply. You can sign up for our newsletter below.

Muralist Christian Tellez painting at Portland Mercado food carts in SE Portland.

Sign up with your email address to receive the PSAA announcements that include Calls to Artists, Project Notifications, Volunteering Opportunities, Local Events, and more!

Personal Protection equiptment (PPE)

If you are using spray paint, make sure you are working in a ventilated space and have proper PPE to keep you from inhaling the spray particles.

PSAA Recommended PPE Mask:
3M Half Mask Respirator Kit

PORTLAND MURAL PERMITTING

OPTION 1: GET A CITY MURAL PERMIT

  • Start process at least 1-2 months before painting

  • Mural Permit Fee, around $70

  • Fill out mural permit application

  • Post city mural permit notice on the wall

  • Host a ‘neighborhood meeting’ in a public place or field questions virtually for 21 days

Other Considerations:

  • Design review not required with City Permit

  • Murals can only be painted on certain types of properties (check with the City first)

  • Artist keeps VARA rights

See the City of Portland’s website for more details and downloadable applications.

OPTION 2: GET A RACC MURAL PERMIT WAIVER

  • Start this process 2+ months beforehand; it can take 2 months to complete.

  • Apply for RACC mural permit waiver with a full project proposal & design

  • Community support needed (letters of support)

  • Design reviewed by RACC's Design Review Committee (once a month)

  • Edits might be asked for by RACC’s Committee

  • No Fee

Other Considerations:

  • RACC can approve murals in all areas of the city, including murals over 30’ high & historic structures

  • If approved, RACC sometimes provides limited grant funding

  • Artist must waive VARA Rights

  • Property Owner must sign an Easement agreement with RACC

  • Mural becomes a part of the City’s public art collection 

See the RACC’s website for more details and downloadable applications.

BENEFITS OF MURALS

These bullet points are helpful when speaking to business owners about putting a mural on their walls.

• Murals call attention to businesses and neighborhoods
• Murals improve the quality of public space for everyone to enjoy
• Murals can document and honor local histories
• Murals can highlight local communities and icons
• Murals create a unique sense of place and community identity
• Murals and art districts often become tourist attractions
• Murals can showcase local artistic talent, or infuse a local scene with more diverse art created by people from around the world
• Murals help support the local economy by supporting artists and promoting tourism
• Community murals can provide a platform for community involvement and interaction
• Murals foster pride and build neighborhood and city identities