August 05, 2015
Mindy Christian/YorkArts
A meter mural designed as part of a YorkArts program in York, Pa.
Yes, "meter murals."
The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation is looking for as many as 10 talented artists to paint murals on 56 parking meters along 52nd Street, spanning Arch Street to Walnut Street. The idea, born out of a similar project headed by YorkArts in York, Pa., is to revitalize 52nd Street and fight blight.
And, quite simply, to create jobs.
"Most importantly, this is a job creator," Akeem Dixon, 52nd Street corridor manager for the CDC, told PhillyVoice. "People will get paid for their artistic ability. This helps revitalize a community with an art installation, and it acts as a community engagement tool. It also allows us to connect business owners and residents who have the opportunity to submit their own meter design that an artist will then take into account."
The Enterprise Center, based out of 46th and Market streets and focused on providing opportunities to minority entrepreneurs, will split $4,800 between up to 10 artists. In September, those selected will work with West Philadelphia residents, business owners and schools to create 10 custom designs based on community submissions. The other 46 murals will be a uniform design of the 52nd Street logo.
The project is funded by Philadelphia LISC and is a collaboration with West Philadelphia arts program Small But Mighty Arts.
Chosen artists will start painting in October and complete their work in November. Find application details here; the deadline for submissions is Aug. 10.
