The ViBe Creative District nonprofit is welcoming the community to witness the second annual ViBe Mural Festival presented by TowneBank from May 10–19. A total of 10 new murals will be painted by 10 different national and local artists at private properties throughout the arts district. The project allows the artists a 10-day timeframe to paint their artwork designs to completion and providing the public ample time to explore and meet the artists while they work.
The nonprofit published an open call for muralists in March 2019 to select the artists, which will each receive a stipend of $3,000 and materials reimbursement up to $1,000. The two-week open call received 110 submissions from artists in 17 states across the country, as well as 10 different cities in Virginia. Over 350 images were provided to the 10 local businesses and property owners hosting the new murals to help them select their favorite artist. The nonprofit handled all logistics to pair artists with the businesses.
All 10 locations are located within a short 1-mile walk and were selected by the ViBe Creative District nonprofit over the last year as the locally owned businesses and property owners expressed interest in participating in a mural project to support the district’s growth. These public artworks will help create a sense of place and arrival within the arts district. Property owners have committed to preserving the murals for a minimum of two years and posting a sponsor plaque to recognize the funders.
