MuralWorks program wants takers

With a deadline of October 15, ArtWorks Cincinnati is seeking community applications for its spring and summer 2009 work program.

MuralWorks seeks to beautify the City by creating murals that reflect each participating community while engaging residents, fostering civic pride, and employing local youth in meaningful art apprenticeships.

Since summer 2007, 17 murals have been painted in 14 Cincinnati neighborhoods, covering more than 23,000 square feet of what were once blank walls.

More than 200 teen artists have taken part in the program.

Participating communities are required to provide a contact person, secure studio space, a mural-ready surface, and between 5 percent and 50 percent of the average $30,000 project cost, depending on neighborhood income levels.

They must also show community commitment and a plan to maintain the mural once it is completed.

Joe Gorman, community organizer with the Camp Washington Community Board, says that he likes what the recently completed – and controversial – “Campy Washington” mural has done for his neighborhood.

“We hope the Campy Washington mural will get people to stop and shop in Camp Washington, consider living and working here, and, to appreciate bold art that has a sense of humor,” he says.  “Plus, the mural is encouraging the building owner to paint the rest of his building, helping save one of the last historic structures in our community.”

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Michael Stout, program coordinator, ArtWorks
Photography by Scott Beseler