Two New Murals Bring Vibrant Life to Downtown Stockton

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Olivia HeadshotBY: Olivia Lee

Art has the power to transform spaces, and Downtown Stockton’s new murals are creating a more dynamic and welcoming atmosphere that reflects our community’s rich cultural diversity. These colorful additions are contributing to a growing sense of pride and identity throughout the city center.

“Folklore” Celebrates Mexican Heritage

At the Mexican Heritage Center, artist Hector Covarrubias (COVA) has created “Folklore,” a stunning mural that brings beauty, calm, and vibrant color to the neighborhood. The piece serves as a visual celebration of Mexican traditions and heritage, offering viewers a peaceful feeling while honoring cultural richness.

COVA takes great pride in enhancing spaces with his art, and working at the Mexican Heritage Center holds particular significance for him. This collaborative project was made possible through the support of Gracie Madrid, the Director of the center and gallery, who helped bring this beautiful addition to life.

“Beautifully Broken” Showcases Stockton’s Strength

At Ed Coy Garage, local artist Kone Lathipanya (Koniack) has created “Beautifully Broken,” a powerful piece representing diversity, unity, strength, and perseverance—qualities he believes represent both Stockton and its citizens. This Stockton-raised artist crafted a work that speaks directly to our city’s character.

The mural is part of the Stockton City Public Mural Program, organized by the City of Stockton and Stockton Arts Commission. This initiative demonstrates the city’s commitment to supporting local artists while creating meaningful connections between art and community.

Transforming Downtown Through Art

These murals represent more than artistic expression—they’re symbols of a community that values culture, creativity, and collaboration. From COVA’s celebration of Mexican heritage to Koniack’s tribute to Stockton’s resilient spirit, these works are helping define downtown as a place where diverse voices are celebrated, creating an outdoor gallery that makes our city center more colorful and inspiring for everyone.

Mural Locations:

  • Folklore: 111 S. Sutter Street, Stockton, CA
  • Beautifully Broken: 130 N. Hunter Street, Stockton, CA

ALL ABOUT DSA’S NEW, ARPA-FUNDED PROGRAMS!

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By Courtney Wood

The Downtown Stockton Alliance has four new ARPA-funded programs to benefit Downtown Stockton businesses and property owners. In the last year, DSA staff have received over $2M in American Rescue Plan Act funding for projects and programs to benefit our Downtown stakeholders.
Learn more about these programs below!

DOWNTOWN BUSINESS FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Does your Downtown building or business exterior need a subtle glow-up, or maybe a full-on facelift? Our Business Façade Improvement Program, funded through City of Stockton ARPA money, has no-strings-attached cash for those makeovers. This program offers up to $25,000 of improvements per building for:

  • New Awnings
  • New Paint
  • Window & Door Replacement
  • Outdoor Dining Enclosures
  • Façade Repairs of Stucco/Tile/Brick
  • Other Street-facing, Façade Improvements

To be eligible, your business or property must be located in Downtown Stockton, have an up-to-date business license, have no active code violations, and not be a publicly traded company. For a step-by-step guide on how to apply, click here. Let this program give your downtown space a youthful glow!

We have funding available to repair and update Downtown building facades!

DOWNTOWN ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORT PROGRAM

Are you a Downtown business owner who has always been curious about joining a chamber of commerce, but hesitated due to the fees? Or a long-standing chamber member who would jump at the opportunity to have someone cover this year’s dues for you? Or maybe there’s a Quickbooks class you’ve been eyeing that would help you up your business’s bookkeeping methods, but felt that investing in that course would take away funding from another important aspect of your business? Well, the DSA has the answer to your prayers this year!

February’s Talk to Downtown featured representatives from local chambers!

Our San Joaquin County ARPA-funded Downtown Stockton Entrepreneur Support Program offers to reimburse Downtown business owners for up to $1,000 per business for EITHER a chamber membership at any of the local chambers, such as the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, the African American Chamber of SJC, the SJC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, or the Central Valley Asian-American Chamber of Commerce; OR a business development workshop, class, or course that would help you improve your business or train your staff! To learn more about the benefits of joining our local chambers, check out February’s Talk to Downtown.

We can reimburse you for memberships or workshops occurring from December 2022 onward through the submission of this form. Let the DSA help you network, up-skill yourself or your staff, and grow your business into the best it can be in 2023.          

DOWNTOWN STOCKTON WINDOW REPAIR REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

Have you recently had a window broken at your Downtown business, and struggled to find the funds to repair it? You already have enough to worry about as a small business owner. Our new SJC ARPA-funded Downtown Stockton Window Repair Reimbursement Program can help! Through this program, we can reimburse Downtown business owners for up to $800 per window for window repairs. All you need to do is fill out this form, which asks you to upload the window repair invoice and your proof of payment, and the DSA will send your reimbursement check to you within 10 days!

DOWNTOWN STOCKTON WINDOW WRAP PROGRAM

Does your downtown business or building have empty windows or faded window wraps that are screaming to be updated with colorful artwork or customized branding? Let our SJC ARPA-funded Downtown Stockton Window Wrap Program brighten up your space and attract clients to your business. Through this program, the DSA will pay for up to $2,500 of window wrapping per business. Just submit this form to apply – the DSA can help you with a customized design OR use artwork you already have. Once you’ve approved the design, we work with the installer and pay them directly. It’s that easy to completely upgrade the look of your business!

Check out one of our Window Wrap Program beneficiaries, Alex Floral!

APPLY NOW!

These four programs are all running on a first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts; as of the writing of this article, we still have approximately $44,000 remaining in the Entrepreneur Support Program, $47,000 left in the Window Repair Reimbursement Fund, $47,000 to spend in the Window Wrap Program, and 40 spots left in the Business Façade Improvement Program. Click here to learn more or to apply today, contact [email protected] with any questions, and please share this article with every Downtown Stockton business owner or property owner you know.

Staff here at the DSA are thrilled to be able to offer these one-time programs to our stakeholders, who we know have waded upstream through adversities in the past few years. We hope for this funding to provide support, improvements, enhancements, and momentum which will propel Downtown Stockton toward a steady river of success.

P.S.

In addition to the programs mentioned in this article, we still have funding for the digital media promotion of Downtown Stockton events and job listings through COS ARPA money; if you are hosting an event or have job openings at your Downtown location, send them our way by emailing [email protected]!