After a long renovation, Cal Poly’s brutalist Robert E. Kennedy Library is scheduled to reopen in the fall of this year, and as part of the renovation, Cal Poly is seeking mural ideas.
“The Main Entrance Mural Project seeks proposals from California-based artists to transform a concrete wall into a distinctive mural that will reflect the library as a foundational place where knowledge and personal interests can be expanded and elevated,” the university announced.
“The goal is to continue weaving the thread of placemaking on campus through art,” Kennedy Library Exhibits and Arts Curator Suzie Smith explained. “We want students to feel excited, welcome, and comfortable in the library, knowing that it is a space that reflects them as individuals, as well as the part they play in our collective community.”
The five-story concrete library was constructed between 1977 and 1980, opening in 1981. The purposed of the renovation was to turn the building “into a dynamic hub where academic experts and resources, ample study space, unique collections and curated programs and exhibitions will be found under one roof.”
Mural proposals will be accepted until March 20. The mural will be installed in summer of this year. Find details at lib.calpoly.edu/events-and-exhibits. Δ
This article appears in Weddings 2025.