New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) supports the thoughtful use of murals to enrich school communities and inspire students. If your school is interested in installing a mural—whether supported by internal resources, external vendors, or grant funding—please review the following steps carefully to ensure all guidelines and procedures are met.
Step 1: Submit Mural Application
Schools interested in pursuing a mural installation must first submit a mural painting proposal to the Office of Space Management. All mural requests are reviewed by the School Mural Committee, and this approval is a prerequisite to initiating any permit or access-related process.
Review Timeline
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Responses are typically issued within 10–15 business days. To accommodate year-end deadlines, we strongly encourage submission before school purchasing deadlines, typically early April.
Required Application Components
Proposals must include:
- School Mural Painting Application Form
- Location: Clearly identify the mural’s proposed location. Include color photographs and, if possible, a visual overlay of the mural design on the intended surface.
- Mural Theme: Title of the mural.
- Final Mural Design: A color rendering of the completed mural.
- Note: Approved designs must match the final submission exactly. If any design elements change, the mural must be resubmitted for review prior to installation.
- Dimensions: Overall length and width of the mural.
- Description: A narrative explaining the mural concept and imagery.
- Design Process: A projected timeline from start to finish.
- Materials List: A full list of materials and supplies to be used by the artist(s).
- Letter of Support: If co-located, include written confirmation of awareness and support from the other school leader(s).
- Artist Agreement: The artist must complete either the Volunteer Artist Agreement or Contracted Artist Agreement, depending on the nature of the engagement.
- Artist Insurance: Proof of General Liability Insurance or Sole Proprietorship.
Please email the completed application packet to: murals@schools.nyc.gov
Artist Acknowledgment Policy
New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) values and recognizes the important contributions that artists and their artistic works make to New York City’s public schools and communities. NYCPS understands that artists should be credited for their creative works and will allow artists who paint murals on NYCPS property to affix their signature, in reasonable proportion, and subject to NYCPS review, upon the mural. If the mural was created in collaboration with NYCPS’ students, the name of the participating school or class may also be affixed to the mural. Artists will not be permitted to include any advertisement or promotion of any brand, business, organization, person, or service on any mural on NYCPS property.
Step 2: Await Approval Before Proceeding
After submission, proposals are reviewed by the Office of Space Management, School Mural Committee, to ensure alignment with NYCPS community values and facility standards.
Approval of the mural design is required before any next steps may begin:
- Extended Use Permit applications
- Vendor engagement or scheduling
- Third Party Access Requests
Approval of the mural design is required before any next steps may begin.
Step 3: Submit Third Party Access Request
Once a mural is approved, schools must initiate a Third Party Access Request through the NYCPS online portal. This step allows NYCPS to coordinate building access and verify compliance with all health, safety, and operational standards.
Please allow an additional 10–15 business days for this review process.
Requirements for Portal Submission
- Approved mural application packet
- Signed Volunteer or Contracted Artist Agreement
- Certificate of Insurance from the artist or vendor
- Accurate project cost entered into the portal (including $0 or grant-funded projects)
- Extended Use Permit, if required (only after mural approval)
Final Considerations
Mural installation may proceed after all necessary approvals have been received.
The Painting Agreement outlines ownership rights and affirms that all installation activities must follow NYCPS safety protocols.
Questions?
For support or additional guidance, please contact: murals@schools.nyc.gov
We appreciate your collaboration in creating vibrant and meaningful spaces across our schools.