OUR PROGRAMS

Mural

Workforce

Academy

The Mural Workforce Academy (MWA) prepares emerging artists for creative careers rooted in Los Angeles’ rich mural tradition. Through hands-on training, paid opportunities, and mentorship from working muralists, participants learn how public art functions as both a creative practice and a professional pathway.

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Training the Next Generation of Public Artists.

MWA

MWA Promotional Video - (1 min)

MWA centers muralism as a living art form

one that reflects community histories, cultural identity, and collective storytelling. Participants are trained not only to create large-scale public artworks, but to understand the responsibility, collaboration, and technical skill required to work in public space.

MWA operates as an earn-and-learn program where artists gain real-world experience by working on commissioned murals across schools, neighborhoods, and community sites. Participants develop skills in design, surface preparation, painting techniques, project planning, and site coordination—while learning how to work as part of a professional mural team.
Training is led by experienced Teaching Artists who bring both industry knowledge and cultural grounding into the process. Participants learn how murals move from concept to completion, including client communication, timelines, budgeting awareness, and installation logistics.
Los Angeles is one of the world’s mural capitals, and MWA is deeply informed by that legacy. The program honors the city’s long-standing tradition of public art as a tool for visibility, resistance, and community voice—while preparing artists to carry that tradition forward in contemporary ways.
Murals created through MWA reflect the communities where they live, often developed in collaboration with students, residents, and local partners. This approach ensures that public art remains accountable, relevant, and grounded in place.
MWA supports artists beyond individual projects by helping them build portfolios, professional references, and confidence navigating creative careers. Many participants continue into other BHAC workforce pathways, teaching artist roles, or independent mural and design work.
The program also serves as a primary studio and training hub within OpenLA, where artists continue skill-building, planning, and collaboration between projects.

Who MWA Serves

MWA works primarily with emerging artists and young adults seeking access to paid creative opportunities, professional mentorship, and career-aligned training. Participants come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared interest in public art and community-based creative work.