Durham, N.C. – Downtown Durham, Inc. has launched a request for qualifications for the Great Jones Street Mural Project, a community-engaged public art initiative that will enhance a key downtown corridor. DDI is seeking an artist, or group of artists, to develop a design and paint a mural on the north and south walls of the railroad bridge at the intersection of West Chapel Hill, Great Jones, and Ramseur Streets.
With guidance and support from DDI staff, the selected artist or group will conduct community engagement, develop a theme and design, and execute a mural on the retaining walls.
“We encourage muralists and groups of all levels of experience to team up and apply,” said Nicole J. Thompson, DDI president and CEO. “By inviting the city’s residents to participate in art, culture, and improving the streetscape, it enriches the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike and uplifts what makes Durham unique.
“We are interested in projects that thoughtfully and creatively integrate community engagement as a key component of the overall artwork, and we are particularly interested in work that uplifts and amplifies voices and stories in Durham that have been marginalized.”
The project will be managed by Brenda Miller Holmes, muralist and public art consultant, and Connor Nielsen, DDI special projects coordinator. They will host virtual office hours to answer any questions artists may have prior to submitting an application. Office hours will be held on December 8 from 8 – 9 a.m., December 9 from 12 noon – 1 p.m. and December 10 from 5 – 6 p.m. They can also be reached by email at brenda@brendamillerholmes.com and connor@downtowndurham.com0
For more information about the request for qualifications, visit downtowndurham.flywheelsites.com/mural-rfq.
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For more than 25 years, Downtown Durham, Inc. has been the economic development engine for downtown Durham, NC. Downtown Durham is home to more than 55 retail stores, 120 restaurants and bars, and 4,000 residential units – all in an area just under one square mile. As the entity responsible for the business improvement district, DDI provides resources to keep downtown Durham clean and safe, and to attract visitors and residents to downtown businesses, venues and events. For more information, visit downtowndurham.com.
