The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) is currently seeking three artists to create a mural during the 2024 Alternating Currents festival August 15-17.
AC features more than 200 performances across 30 plus venues with a wide variety of music, comedy, film and visual arts. It’s also the only bi-state, multi-city festival of its kind and the Quad Cities’ annual opportunity to flex its creative muscle for the world to see.
Each year, the festival sets out to highlight the vibrant cultural scene, cultivate local creators and showcase businesses that make the region unique.
“Mural Fest was added to the lineup last year and quickly became one of our most popular arts activations,” DDP Program Director Alisha Espey said in a news release. “We‘re excited to bring it back and witness the creation of diverse and inspiring artworks that will transform our downtown, leaving a lasting impression on residents and visitors alike.”
The mural site will be created on the fencing at Armored Gardens, 315 Pershing Ave., facing Third Street. The wall will be primed ahead of time in preparation for the event.
Mural painting experience is not required, but artists are expected to have confidence in their ability to complete artwork within a two-to-three-day timeframe. Selected artists will begin drawing their design at the mural site on Thursday, Aug. 15 and paint throughout the duration of the event on Friday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug. 17, the release said.
All murals must be complete by 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17 unless otherwise coordinated with a lead artist.
Artists are asked to choose a concept around what inspires them creatively. DDP aims to create a diverse collection of murals that combine various concepts on one wall space.
For support, festival lead artists, Heidi Sallows and Atlanta Dawn will be present on-site throughout the event to answer questions, address concerns and provide guidance.
DDP will provide painting materials, primarily water-based acrylic mural paint. Those selected as an artists can request additional materials such as spray paint, based on their specific artistic needs.
Scaffolding and ladders will be made available for artists who request them, ensuring easy access to the mural painting area. Muralists will receive artist credentials for the festival, which includes access to meals and refreshments in the artist hospitality area on Friday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug. 17.
A task force composed of members of DDP staff, DDP Public Art Committee and AC Mural Project Lead Artists will review applications. Up to three artist teams will be awarded the opportunity. Selection notifications will be distributed by Tuesday, July 16.
Each of the selected artists/artist teams will receive a $1,600 stipend for work on a 20 food by 8 foot space.
To participate in the Alternating Currents Mural Festival, prepare the following information for submission:
- Design: Submit a design, either hand-drawn or digitally created, that fits within a 20 foot by 8 foot wall space. This design will determine the artist’s eligibility to participate in the festival.
- Artist Bio: Provide a brief bio highlighting your artistic background and experience.
- Previous Work: Include three to give photos of previous work completed on a larger scale, showcasing your talent and style.
- Deadline: for submissions is Noon on Friday, July 5. 2024.
- Apply here.