Murals! Do you like murals? Would you like to create a mural? Would you like to create a mural “celebrating community, culture, health and conservation” for a five-mural project called “Visual Vibes on Villard”? Great! Here’s a press release!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JULY 29, 2020 – Milwaukee, WI. – The Villard Avenue Business Improvement District #19 will be installing a 5-mural corridor in the district, dubbed “Visual Vibes on Villard.” The organizers are seeking submissions from Milwaukee-area artists to create murals celebrating community, culture, health and conservation. All the murals will be centered around the 35th and Villard Avenue intersection.
Each of the walls has been given a theme by the organizers. When asked about Cultural Pride as a theme, Villard BID Director Angelique Sharpe had this to say: “There was a lot of feedback about supporting the culture of the people that live in the area with regard to recruiting and supporting black owned businesses… they want to see Sherman Phoenix-like models of business, which we know is predominately black owned. So this is the thought process behind having a cultural mural theme— to give a nod and some respect to the culture of the people that have been surviving through the last several decades of economic disinvestment in the area.”
Stacey Williams-Ng agrees. “The aim of the project is to celebrate and uplift the community by showcasing local Milwaukee artists,” says the Wallpapered City founder. “Our team is very proud to be trusted by the Villard BID for this important new artistic space.”
The application process is open to any artist over 18 years of age residing in Milwaukee County. Selected mural proposals to be announced mid-August.
Artists who wish to apply to the project may download instructions for submissions on the Wallpapered City website. To download the PDF, go to https://wallpapered.city/villard-call-for-artists/.
Timeline:
– “Visual Vibes on Villard” submission deadline is Saturday, August 8th at 11:59PM
– The project’s Jury Team will review artist submissions and select artists the week of August 10th–15th. Selected artists will be notified the following week.
– Painting dates will be scheduled between Labor Day weekend (Sept 5) and Saturday, September 19th
Five buildings have offered up their walls for new murals: The Carter Christian Academy on 35th Street; Oasis (nightclub), on Villard Avenue; the former CCA Wellness and Fitness Center, on 35th Street; The ArtHaus (theater), on 35th; and MotorKings Auto (formerly P’s Automotive), on Villard Avenue.
This project, funded by BID #19 with support from the Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation’s Community Improvement Grant, as well as from anonymous donors, is being facilitated by Wallpapered City, a local arts group.
For more information about the Visual Vibes on Villard project including a FAQ for building owners interested in participating, contact Angelique L. Sharpe, Manager of the City of Milwaukee Business Improvement District #19, [email protected].
Wallpapered City is a Milwaukee-based agency specializing in murals and other public art installations. Serving as logistic managers, curators and consultants, Wallpapered City is an artist-led organization with a commitment to community. For more information about the work, visit https://wallpapered.city. To learn more about Wallpapered City, contact Stacey Williams Ng at Wallpapered City at [email protected].
