For the second year, the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) is seeking artists to create a mural during the 2024 Alternating Currents festival Aug. 15-17, 2024.
Alternating Currents features 200+ performances across 30+ 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, according to a Monday Quad Cities Chamber release. Each year, the festival aims 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 the release, noting three artists will be picked for this year. “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 is located on the fencing at Armored Gardens, 315 Pershing Ave., facing 3rd 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. 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 you 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. If selected as an artist, you can request additional materials such as spray paint, based on your 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.
Selection Process
A taskforce comprised 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’ x 8’ space.
Application Requirements
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 an 20′ x 8′ wall space. This design will determine your eligibility to participate in the festival.
- Artist Bio: Provide a brief bio highlighting your artistic background and experience.
- Previous Work: Include 3-5 photos of previous work completed on a larger scale, showcasing your talent and style.
The deadline for submissions is noon on Friday, July 5. 2024. Apply here.
