Slow Streets started as an emergency response to the pandemic, but they’ve become so much more. They’re not only opening up new travel options and creating new community connections, they’re also encouraging San Franciscans to see their city streets differently, as shared spaces. The SFMTA is excited to be expanding the Slow Streets Program to include additional avenues for community activation.
The Slow Streets Mural Pilot Program is an effort to invite community-oriented public art onto Slow Streets in San Francisco, underscoring Slow Streets as community resources and spaces.
In late July 2024, the first Slow Street Mural was completed on Lyon Slow Street between Fulton and McAllister Streets. To see photos of the mural, click on the link in the "Related Reports and Documents" section in the right column. The art was created by Matley Hurd and the photos were taken by Masaki Omori.
Read more about the broader Slow Streets Program on the Slow Streets webpage: SFMTA.com/SlowStreets
Street Mural Application Process
Please review the Slow Streets Mural Pilot Program Application Guide linked below in the “Program Documents and Links” section to see the detailed design guidelines and a step-by-step process for creating a mural on your Slow Street.
Pre-Application Feasibility and Outreach: Approximately 3 Months from the Painting Date
The first step in establishing a Slow Streets Mural is identifying a location, an artist, and a draft design. Prior to your official submittal of an application, SFMTA will work with you to confirm the feasibility of the street mural.
SFMTA and SFAC Mural Application Review: Approximately 2 Months from the Painting Date
Once SFMTA has confirmed your project’s feasibility, an official application must be submitted to StreetMurals@SFMTA.com. Once approved by SFMTA from a traffic safety standpoint, you must submit your mural design and corresponding documents to the San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) for review of the mural design. Note that this is a separate application from that already submitted to SFMTA, requiring additional documentation such as examples of the artist’s work. Be sure to carefully read through the San Francisco Arts Commission’s mural design approval guidelines.
Street Closure Permitting and Mural Implementation: Approximately 1 Month from the Painting Date
After obtaining approval from the San Francisco Arts Commission, a Special Event Street Closure Permit must be obtained for the paint day from SFMTA. After the mural painting is completed, notify SFMTA staff, who will then conduct a site visit to ensure that the mural adheres to required design guidelines.
*Please note that establishing a mural on a Slow Street is at minimum a three-month process, but may take longer. Please ensure you review and prepare for each step in the process, this will help with faster approval and implementation of your proposed street mural. We are very excited to have created the Slow Streets Mural Pilot Program and can’t wait to see your murals brightening up San Francisco’s Slow Streets.
Program Documents and Links
Slow Streets Mural Pilot Program Application Guide
Slow Streets Mural Pilot Program Street Closure Staffing Guidelines
DotMaps Construction, Events, and Closures Map
San Francisco Arts Commission Mural Design Approval Guidelines