Show-Me State Times

Urban Strategies, Inc. (USI) and the City of St. Louis Community Development Agency (CDA) are calling for local artists to participate in designing artwork for five unique public art projects in the Near North Side. The initiative, part of the Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI), aims to revitalize the neighborhood through creative expression.

According to the announcement, an advisory group of Near North Side residents will review submissions and select finalists for each project. The selected artists will receive stipends and fees for their work on various art installations around the neighborhood.

One of the projects, the Loretta Hall Park Basketball Mural, seeks an artist to create a vibrant design for a basketball court in the park. The selected artist will be paid a design fee of $5,000 and will have the opportunity to execute the mural themselves or work collaboratively with a professional painter.

Another project, the Loretta Hall Park Mosaic Murals, involves creating mosaic designs for the restroom building in the park. The artist selected for this project will also receive a design fee of $5,000 and will have the option to undertake the execution themselves or work with a professional mosaicist.

Additionally, the Park to Park Crosswalk Murals project will see multiple artists designing colorful murals at intersections connecting two parks. Each selected artist will receive a stipend to develop a design concept and a design fee for executing the mural.

The initiative also includes the creation of Neighborhood Banners and Bus Shelter Glass artworks, providing further opportunities for artists to showcase their talent and contribute to the community's revitalization.

Interested artists are encouraged to apply by submitting images of their previous work, a resume or bio, and answering questions about their interest and connection to the Near North Side. The deadline for applications is March 26, 2024.

The Near North Side of St. Louis, with its rich history and diverse community, presents a unique canvas for artists to celebrate the neighborhood's past, enhance community well-being, and promote a sense of belonging through public art.

For more information on how to apply and background on the CNI and the Near North Side, interested artists can visit the official website. The projects aim to not only beautify public spaces but also provide meaningful opportunities for local artists to contribute to the neighborhood's transformation.