Application for Mural Apprentice Program
ABOUT PAINT CHQ
The 2025 Paint CHQ mural festival is an innovative project intended to enhance Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development’s ongoing economic development efforts. Public artwork is an essential building block in economic development and quality of place, and this project will bring one large mural to up to five downtown districts— providing another asset in our walkable, pedestrian-friendly downtowns. These murals will attract visitors, locals, and tourists!
In partnership with local community members, Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) and Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development (CCDPD) will work to bring large-scale murals to several of our communities. Each community will have a unique project in a location that aligns with the strategy and goals of the festival. The goals and purpose of this type of artwork implementation include highlighting community assets, embracing the value of public art investment, bringing visitors to your community, encouraging economic growth, building a foundation for more public art investment, and improving quality of place.
MURAL APPRENTICE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
PAINT CHQ will be held in Chautauqua County in September 2025. The murals will all be unveiled on the same day, with celebrations and events taking place throughout the duration of the festival to recognize the artists, apprentices, and the community. Apprentices are encouraged to participate in festival events.
The Paint CHQ Mural Apprentice Program is meant to offer aspiring artists an opportunity to garner valuable experience installing large-scale murals. This is an excellent resume builder for an aspiring muralist! Volunteer apprentices will be paired with experienced muralists and asked to help assist in the mural installation during the mural festival. Learn how to scale a design to fit a building, learn about different mediums, and expand your artist-network!
ELIGIBILITY
Depending on the muralist’s style and comfort-level, apprentices may be asked to paint, help set up, assist in various on-site tasks, and participate in Paint CHQ events. This is a volunteer opportunity for Chautuaqua County locals of all abilities aged 18 or older. Some experience with painting and/or spray painting is encouraged, but not required. Only individuals who reside in Chautauqua County are eligible to apply for the Mural Apprentice Program. Apprentices need to provide their own transport. We understand that work and life may impact an apprentice’s ability to commit to an entire week of volunteering; Apprentices are not required to be on site at all times but are asked to make a best effort to help the artist as frequently as they are able. Apprentices will sign an indemnification agreement, a hold harmless waiver, and a photo release waiver.
o Applicant must be 18 or older
o Applicant must reside in Chautauqua County
o Applicant MUST be able to volunteer some hours to this apprentice program during the PAINT CHQ mural festival
Deadline to apply: June 1, 2025
Questions about this program should be directed to Alex Hall.
email: AHPSConsulting@gmail.com