Iconic Downtown Murals Became Destinations
The Downtown Mural Project has been a huge success. Our murals have become destinations and landmarks, bringing thousand to our downtown. Four new murals will be installed in the Spring of 2019. For the second round we received 44 applications.
New Spring 2019 Murals:
Ignacio Garcia 31 N 6th Ave
Jessica Gonzales 35 W Alemeda St.
Rachel Rios and Carlos Valenzuela 86 E Alameda St
Joe Pagac 601 N Stone
There have been numerous stories in the press and social media. This program came after years of hard work, experimentation and best practices. Our most recent collaborations have brought joy, inspiration, dialogue, excitement and energy to our downtown. Hundreds of people are coming downtown to see the murals, thousands more are talking about them. This is much more on the way, stay tuned!
This artwork is inspired by Tucson’s rich cultural diversity, history and urban fabric. The project started back in late January on the heels of the Environmental Services mural project, and the new Traffic Control Box mural initiative.
For the 2016 Round the selection committee, which included Tucson Museum of Art, AFSA/Tucson Pima Arts Council Public Art Committee, Tierra Antigua Realty and Downtown Tucson Partnership reviewed 58 applicants work. As you can see we were seeking muralists that would uphold the highest professional standards of quality, with delightful and inspiring themes.
We want to especially thank the Tohono O’odham Nation, Visit Tucson and Arts Brigade supporters for funding this project. Our partners Graffiti Protective Coatings, Park Tucson, and the Downtown Tucson Partnership provided critical in-kind services. This project would have been impossible without the hard work and dedication of Sabrina Wilson, our assistant project manager. Our artists included, Ignacio Garcia, Niki Glen, To-Ree-Nee Wolf, Rock Martinez assisted by Cristina Perez, Jessica Gonzales, Luis Mena and Isaac Caruso.
Thank you also to the Businesses and property wall owners: Rialto Theatre, City of Tucson Housing and Community Development Department, 5 North 5th Hotel, Café 54, Wig-o-Rama, Century Link and John Wesley Miller