July 27, 2026
NEWS RELEASE: Four new downtown murals mark first projects funded through City's Mural Grant Program
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Walnut Creek, CA (July 27, 2026) — The City of Walnut Creek’s Public Art Program celebrates the completion of four new murals in the downtown arts district. Created by four individual artists and artist teams, the murals are the first projects to receive funding through the Mural Grant Program.
Launched in 2023 as a matching grant, the program has since been updated to a direct grant model, providing greater flexibility and expanding funding opportunities for artists and participating property owners to bring new murals to Walnut Creek. Together, the murals showcase a variety of artistic styles and perspectives while contributing to a welcoming, vibrant downtown for residents, visitors, and local businesses.
“The City is proud to be a funding partner in this effort through our Mural Grant Program,” Mayor Pro Tem Matt Francois stated at the mural launch. “We believe investing in public art is an investment in the vitality, identity, and economic strength of Walnut Creek.”
The murals were made possible through collaboration among artists, participating property owners, community partners, and the City of Walnut Creek.
Participating Mural Artists
Event Details
An event to celebrate the new murals is planned for Thursday, July 30, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing (1419 N Broadway, Walnut Creek). Complimentary refreshments and music from DJ Bukue One will be provided. This event is free and open to the public. Mayor Kevin Wilk will be giving remarks to recognize this collaborative effort.
Event Sponsors
BH Development, Lamorinda Developments & Investing, Walnut Creek Downtown and Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing
About the Walnut Creek Public Art Program
Walnut Creek has supported public art since 1982. The City formally established its Public Art Program in 2000 following adoption of the Public Art Master Plan and related ordinances. Today, the program is administered by Bedford Gallery and the Arts + Recreation Department and overseen by the Walnut Creek Arts Commission.
About the Mural Grant Program
The City of Walnut Creek’s Mural Program is intended to enhance the Walnut Creek's streetscape and structures, and ad
d to the diversity of artists, styles, and concepts of public art throughout the community. The application and guidelines provide applicants with a clear process that supports the interests of the community as well as those of the property owner. For more information about the Mural Grant Program visit www.publicartwalnutcreek.org.
Download the Press Release