Arts commission approves open call to commission mural at skate park

The Encinitas Commission for the Arts voted to approve a site brief and open‑call process for a mural at the city skate park and directed staff to prepare and issue the call.

Carla, the presenter for the skate‑mural project, told the commission the May 18 workshop with skaters and community members produced a site brief that prioritizes authenticity to skate culture and local collaboration. “One thing became very clear, and that is how much [the skate park] means to people,” she said.

Commissioners asked about the proposed timeline and outreach. Staff and Friends of the Arts representatives said they would use city communications channels, the Friends’ networks and personal outreach to skate shops and skaters; staff said four to six weeks for submissions is feasible given the existing buzz. The presenter said several artists had already expressed interest.

The commission discussed jury composition and rubrics, and staff said the city would prepare the open call while friends groups would assist with promotion. The anticipated process calls for a five‑member jury drawn to reflect skate and broader community perspectives, jury review in August, a public comment opportunity at the commission’s September meeting, and then a recommendation forwarded to city council.

The motion to approve the site brief, the open‑call process and to direct staff to proceed passed with all commissioners voting yes except Commissioner Cotay, who was absent.

Next steps: staff will draft the open call consistent with the approved site brief and the commission will receive the jury recommendation and public comment in September.