Applications open for CV Lakers public art project ahead of inaugural home opener

Acrisure Arena has launched an open call inviting one visual artist from each of the Coachella Valley’s nine cities to design a custom basketball ahead of the Coachella Valley Lakers’ inaugural season opener.

The Coachella Valley Lakers, an NBA G League affiliate announced by the Los Angeles Lakers in early 2026, will make their official debut at Acrisure Arena when the team’s inaugural season tips off this fall.

Selected artists will receive a $250 stipend, game tickets, and social media coverage as they paint a basketball incorporating their city’s culture and the team’s logo for a collaborative collection to be unveiled on opening night. Artists have until Aug. 6 to submit their portfolios for consideration.

Organizers said artists chosen for the project will then have two weeks to complete their basketball once selected.

Applicants are asked to submit a portfolio for review. One artist per city will be selected based on style, diversity of vision and creative approach.

Selected artists must submit design sketches for approval from the Lakers brand before painting begins. Once a design is approved, artists will create their piece using a provided basketball and film their process along the way.

Designs are required to incorporate the CV Lakers logo and reflect the artist’s city, culture and personal perspective. The basketballs may not depict any human likeness, and all artwork must be original, without any third-party copyrighted material.

The finished basketballs will be displayed together as a collection representing the full Coachella Valley, with the full collection revealed at the team’s home opener.

Find the application here and the creative brief here.

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