Calling all artists -- creating public art in OWD

The City of Durham has allocated $25,000 for local artists interested in creating public art displays (the full press release is after the break). I think this is a great idea and I think there are several places in the neighborhood that would benefit tremendously from a public art installation. The city says that the preference will be given to projects centered around downtown neighborhoods and Bull City Connector stops. Given the artistic and creative chops of this community, I wonder if there will be any applicants willing to beatify this part of our city. The deadline to apply is March 29th.

Here are some places in need of beatifying:

Corner of Markham and Ninth Street

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Intersection of Main and Broad Street



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Monday, February 13, 2012 City of Durham Seeks Public Art Proposals March 29th is Application Deadline ​DURHAM, N.C. – Artists in Durham should take note that the City of Durham is looking for proposals for new works of art to be displayed in public places. The City’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development is seeking proposals for projects in support of the Cultural Master Plan Public Art Pilot Project Initiative from qualified non-profits, local governments, for-profit entities, and artists. Projects must lead to the creation of new works of art or decorative art designed for permanent display in public places, which may include either government-owned or privately owned locations, or must involve community participation in a public process for the temporary installation of new works of art in public places. Public places are defined as indoor or outdoor locations generally accessible to the public. Preference will be given to projects in the general downtown area and in neighborhoods designated as targeted neighborhoods by the City’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. Projects for the CCB Plaza, the Five Points area, Durham Station Transportation Center, and the Bull City Connector are encouraged. A total of $25,000 is available to support one or more projects. Additional funds may be available, depending on the nature and timing of the project. Preference will also be given to projects which match Cultural Master Plan funding with other funds provided by, or developed by, the candidate. The application deadline is March 29, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. The request for proposal form is available on the City’s website athttp://durhamnc.gov/ich/as/fin/Pages/bids.aspx. Completed applications should be sent to the attention of Cultural Master Plan Coordinator Peter Coyle with the City’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development at 302 E. Pettigrew St., Suite 190, Durham, N.C. 27701. The project is administered by the City of Durham Office of Economic and Workforce Development using funds designated for this purpose by the Durham Cultural Advisory Board. Funding for the project was provided by a grant to the City of Durham from the County of Durham from funds designated for implementation of the Durham Cultural Master Plan. For information, contact Coyle by email at Peter.Coyle@DurhamNC.gov or by calling (919) 560-4965, ext. 15205.