BACKGROUND 

Perspective is everything. The City of Yuma Division of Arts and Culture invites artists to submit original artwork designs for Through the Lines, a bold new lenticular fence mural project that plays with optical illusion and viewer positioning. 
We are seeking original artwork that reflects the culture, landscape and spirit of the southwest and/or the distinctive character of the local downtown area. Designs that incorporate elements of the region’s rich heritage, natural textures, and traditional patterns, subtle nods to indigenous symbolism or stylistic influences are welcome when approached with creativity and respect. 
The selected piece will be purchased as a design-only submission and will be printed on high-quality exterior vinyl for installation on a metal fence. Artists of all backgrounds are welcome to apply, but cultural sensitivity and respectful representation are essential. 
The mural will be designed to align into a complete, cohesive image when viewed from a single, specific angle. This is an opportunity to challenge visual perception and explore how public art can change with movement, inviting curiosity and interaction. 
This project is made possible through generous funding by the Cocopah Indian Tribe. 
 

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS 

• Mural Site: Metal fence at East 2nd Street between Main Street and Madison Avenue, viewable from a specific marked viewing spot 
• Fence Size: Approximately 4ft x 120 linear feet 
• Design Size: 4ftx 16ft (seams at every 1.5in, with 10in space between the poles) 
• Public Display: The finished design will be printed on durable 3M exterior vinyl and installed as a long-term public art feature, with an expected lifespan of up to eight years. The installation will include interpretive signage and artist recognition. 
• Vinyl Printing Requirements: Final artwork must be scalable to high-resolution print (minimum 150 DPI at full size) and allow for panel seams; designs should avoid placing critical elements directly on seam lines 
  Artist Collaboration: Individual artists or teams are welcome; fabrication and installation will be handled by the City of Yuma 

LOCATION

East 2nd St between Main St and Madison.  
Please note that the fence depicted in the image is provided for reference purposes only. The actual fence will be of a very similar shape.

Example of a lenticular fence mural

ARTIST STIPEND 
Selected artist(s) will receive: 

• A stipend of $2,000 for the completed design and licensing rights for public display 
• Promotion through citywide PR and Arts & Culture channels 

 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 
Submissions are due by October 13, 2025  

Submit the following: 

1. Completed application form
2. Artist statement (300 words max) 
3. Concept sketch or rendering with notes on perspective and alignment 
4. Artist résumé or bio
5. 3–5 samples of relevant artwork (murals, public art, painting, etc.) 

 

IMPORTANT DATES 

• Application Deadline: October 13, 2025
• Artist Notification: October 23, 2025
• Design Finalization: November 7, 2025
• Public Reveal Event: December 6, 2025 during Downtown Christmas

 

ELIGIBILITY 
Open to artists 18+ from Yuma County and beyond. Solo artists, teams, muralists, and visual artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Prior mural experience is helpful but not required. 
 
EVALUATION CRITERIA 

Designs will be reviewed by the Yuma Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission based on: 

• Theme relevance (20pts) 
• Effectiveness of visual illusion/perspective use (20pts) 
• Artistic quality and composition (20pts) 
• Feasibility for vinyl printing and installation (20pts) 
• Completion of all submission requirements (20pts) 

IMPORTANT DATES 

• Application Deadline: September 16, 2025 (October 13, 2025)
• Artist Notification: September 19, 2025 (October 23, 2025)
• Design Finalization: TBD (November 7, 2025)
• Public Reveal Event: TBD (December 6, 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting)