Students Painted New Mural at UC Santa Barbara

The political science department installed a new mural replacing artwork that had been on display since 1975.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Isometric editorial illustration of a geometric mural with interlocking shapes on a wall, representing collaborative academic research. — Students at UC Santa Barbara completed a new mural for the political science department, replacing artwork that had been displayed since 1975. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

During the summer of 2026, a team of 11 students painted a new mural in the UC Santa Barbara Department of Political Science. The artwork replaced a previous installation that had occupied the department's wall space since 1975.

Why it matters

The project was commissioned to bring fresh perspectives to the university's academic environment. It serves to visually represent themes of civil service, collective action, and collaborative research within the political science department.

The mural measures 25 feet wide by 9.5 feet tall and was completed over a period of six weeks. Participating students documented all paint color formulas for future maintenance.

The players

UC Santa Barbara Department of Political Science

This academic department focuses on the study of political systems and commissioned the student mural project.

UC Santa Barbara

This public research university is a member of the University of California system located in Santa Barbara.

The details

Students researched core concepts of political science and submitted designs to a faculty committee before painting the composition as a collaborative team. The process involved mixing professional-grade acrylic paints and applying multiple layers to achieve the desired opacity.

The original mural was installed in the Lane Room in 1975.
A similar collaborative art project occurred in the Humanities and Social Sciences Building in 2016.
The new mural project was completed over six weeks during the summer of 2026.

Political Context

Some campus traditionalists may argue that the removal of the 1975 mural erases a portion of the department's institutional history. Others emphasize that rotating public art is necessary to reflect current student values and shifting academic priorities.

The mural serves as a functional visual element for students, faculty, and visitors navigating the department's halls. By using documented paint formulas, the university ensures the installation can be maintained or touched up for years to come.

The takeaway

Collaborative art projects can effectively bridge the gap between academic research and visual expression. Implementing maintenance protocols, such as recording color formulas, is an essential practice for any public or university art installation.