The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) is looking to showcase visual artists’ works during the 2023 Alternating Currents Festival in August.
DDP, an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and the festival’s host, is seeking artists to create a mural during the festival, Aug. 17-20, that embodies the vibrancy of the Quad Cities. A total of five artists will be selected for the first-time project.
“This mural will add great value to our placemaking efforts in downtown Davenport and illustrates the talent of our local artists, too,” said Downtown Davenport Partnership Executive Director Kyle Carter. “We’re thrilled to offer QC artists a chance to be creative and build our unique sense of place.”
Mural experience is not required, but DDP said that applicants should have the ability to complete the artwork within a two-to-three-day timeframe.
Each of the selected artists/artist teams will receive an $800 stipend for their work on an 8’x10’ Space; artist credentials for the festival (including access to meals and refreshments in the artist hospitality area on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 18-19). Up to five selected artists will be notified by Friday, July 28.
Alternating Currents is a Quad Cities celebration that showcases its downtowns while featuring more than 100 acts across 30-plus venues. Spectators can enjoy music, comedy, film and visual arts. Each year the festival sets out to highlight the vibrant cultural scene, cultivate local creators and showcase businesses that make the region unique.
The new mural site is located at 221 E. 2nd St., Davenport, and will be painted on the garage doors at the rear of the building. It is located within downtown’s Motor Row Historic District.
All the paint and materials needed for the mural will be provided. The mural wall will be primed ahead of time.
DDP said the new mural will add to several other arts initiatives downtown, including five new sculptures on Second Street and two new murals located at Second and Iowa streets, which were created by the Quad City Arts Metro Arts program.
Artists chosen will begin drawing their design at the mural site on Thursday, Aug. 17, and paint throughout the duration of the event. By Saturday, at least 80% of the mural should be completed, and all murals must be complete by 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20.
Painting materials will be provided to the artists, primarily water-based acrylic mural paint. Artists may request additional materials based on their needs. Scaffolding and ladders will also be available.
The project’s Lead Artists – Atlanta Dawn and Heidi Sallows – will be present on-site throughout the event to answer questions, address concerns and provide guidance.
The artists will be selected by a task force composed of DDP staff, the DDP Public Art Committee and the lead artists. DDP provides place management services for downtown Davenport’s business improvement district (Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District, or SSMID).
To apply, artists must submit a design, a brief bio, and three to five photos of previous work. For more details, visit here. The deadline for submitting is noon Monday, July 24. For more information on the Alternating Currents festival, visit here.
