Application for Mural Apprentice Program

MURAL APPRENTICE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Paint CHQ Mural Apprentice Program is meant to offer local artists an opportunity to garner valuable experience installing large-scale murals with a professional muralist. This is an excellent resume builder for an aspiring muralist! Apprentices will work closely with the lead muralist at different points throughout the installation process, thereby learning skills such as scaling up a design and techniques for working with the medium (whether spray paint, paint and brush, or other). In addition, this is a great networking opportunity!

Depending on the muralist’s work style and comfort level, apprentices may be asked to paint, help set up, and assist with other on-site tasks. In addition to their support during installation, apprentices will be invited and encouraged to participate in Paint CHQ events, including an artist talk and a ribbon cutting/mural dedication ceremony - which will be held between September 8 - 26, 2026 (official dates will be confirmed once the artist is selected).

ABOUT PAINT CHQ

The Paint CHQ Mural Festival is an ongoing, innovative project that began in 2025 with the installation of 3 murals across Chautauqua County. This initiative complements and enhances local community and economic development efforts. Public art is an essential placemaking tool used to strengthen community identity, sense of place, and quality of life, and it is an important asset in our walkable, pedestrian-friendly downtowns. These murals will attract local residents, as well as tourists!

In partnership with local community members, Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) and Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development (CCDPD) will organize the installation of a mural in the Village of Bemus Point. The goals and purpose of introducing more public art include highlighting community assets, embracing the value of public art investment, bringing visitors to the community, encouraging economic growth, building a foundation for more public art investment, and improving quality of place.

ELIGIBILITY

This is an exciting opportunity for Chautuaqua County locals of all abilities ages 18 or older. Some experience with painting and/or spray painting is favorable, but not required. Only individuals who reside in Chautauqua County are eligible to apply. Apprentices need to provide their own transportation. We understand that work and life may impact an apprentice’s ability to commit to an entire week; Apprentices are not required to be on site at all times but rather will be asked to sign up for and be on site during their specified shift(s).

Apprentices will sign an indemnification agreement, a hold harmless waiver, and a photo release waiver.

o Applicant must be 18 or older (or obtain guardian permission)

o Applicant must reside in Chautauqua County

o Applicant must be able to dedicate some hours to the apprentice program during the Paint CHQ mural festival September 8 - 26, 2026 (Dates TBD once muralist is selected)

Deadline to apply: July 1, 2026

Questions about this program should be directed to Rebecca Wurster.

Email: wursterr@chqgov.com

Name:*

First NameLast Name

Email:*

example@example.com

Address:*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number:*

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Application Checklist

· ARTIST WEBSITE/SOCIAL HANDLES

· SHORT BIO

· STATEMENT of INTEREST

· HEADSHOT

· PREVIOUS ARTWORK EXAMPLE

· APPROXIMATE HOURS OF COMMITMENT TO PAINT CHQ

· T-SHIRT SIZE

· ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION

Your Artist Website/Social Media Page(s):

Short Bio - Please share a few sentences about yourself, such as your interests, education and career: *

In a few sentences, please tell us why you would like to participate in the Mural Apprentice Program, what you hope to learn, and anything you would like to share about your artistic background and aspirations:*

Please upload your professional headshot.

Please Upload An Example of Your Artwork.

Please indicate how many hours you estimate you can volunteer during Paint CHQ. Approximate dates: September 8 - 26, 2026:*

0-5 hours5-10 hours10+ hours

Indicate your T-SHIRT size (adult unisex):

PLEASE VERIFY YOUR ELIGIBILITY BY SIGNING BELOW: Applicant is 18 years old or older (or can obtain guardian permission) Applicant resides in Chautauqua County, NY Applicant is committing to participate in the Paint CHQ Mural Apprentice Program in September 2026 *

Application for Mural Apprentice Program

Chautauqua County, NY | September 2026