Paid Mural Training Program – TOSS

This is a paid, unique artist call that will equip emerging makers through a paid training program to lead large-scale, community-engaged murals

Through the spring, summer and fall of 2024, the Community Mural Institute (CMI) will combine online and classroom instruction, experiential learning, and professional mentorship for twelve artists, creating and installing three large outdoor murals in Morganton, NC, that are designed and painted in collaboration with Morganton communities using the GoodSpace Method, utilizing the indirect polytab mural technique.

There is increasing interest in murals as a means of creative place-keeping and particular interest in professional murals that involve the community in their creation. However, there are very few opportunities to learn how this is done. CMI is offering you this rare opportunity.

About the Morganton CMI
This training program for emerging and established muralists will be done alongside our community partner, The Industrial Commons and its program TOSS in Morganton, NC.

In the summer of 2021, TOSS asked a group of high school students to identify stories in Burke County that weren’t represented through public art. Building on their research and a subsequent oral history project, TOSS has invested in the creation of 6 murals in Burke Country which amplify the local stories and themes.

“My experience with CMI was life changing. I made connections and learned a new skill that I can carry on long after the program is over. ”
— Sachi Dely, CMI participant

This year, the three murals they are creating will focus on the following:

• The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community
• Women at Work (sectors: civic-engaged jobs, small business, and the arts)
• Rural Futures – Pathways to Thriving

The application will be open until March 4th, and we will be selecting a cohort of 12 artists to participate in classroom & hands-on training through the GoodSpace Mural Method (which combines community engagement strategies with the indirect polytab mural process). 

Artists can bring these skills back into the community to advance and promote inclusive storytelling through public art. 

Artists can RSVP for the info session on February 15th, 6-7 pm.