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City of Lafayette (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
Neglected lots in the historic Lincoln neighborhood eroded community pride and left older residents feeling disconnected. To restore the sense of connection, the city partnered with a community arts group and residents to create murals based on stories collected from long-time neighbors. Residents helped choose sites and artists, and a dedication event celebrated the transformation of neglected spaces into vibrant art. The project cleared the lot and sparked new investment while fostering connection. One artist even invited a neighbor to add her own brushstrokes. Another artist noticed how neighbors stopped by with encouragement and support, underscoring the sense of ownership and gratitude.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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See More Projects Like This One
Blacksburg, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: To help downtown recover from pandemic isolation, the Association created a mural that celebrates nature and local heritage. An artist age 50-plus designed the 20-by-10-foot piece featuring Stroubles Creek and native plants, turning a blank wall into a vibrant landmark. The mural now anchors plans for an art walk and streetscape, drawing older adults and other residents into public spaces. "It was my pleasure to participate in such a great event," said one supporter, noting the mural's role in showcasing local talent and sparking renewed interest in public art.
Minot, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: To increase vibrancy and walkability in Minot's downtown, the city's Downtown Business and Professional Association sponsored three new downtown wall murals, each created by different local artists. To encourage passersby to interact with the murals, the artists hid depictions of objects in each mural's imagery, challenging onlookers to search for elements that seem out of place in the painting's subject matter. The association worked with local businesses to acquire materials, such as paint, brushes and cleaning supplies, for the project. Each mural adorns the wall of a different local business. Over the years, Minot has become known in recent years for its assortment of colorful, creative street art -- an online tourist guide helps visitors find murals throughout town.
Lancaster, PA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: This project will enhance the plaza near the senior center with public art and technology, celebrating Latino older adults' migration stories. It includes a steel sculpture, QR codes for oral stories, and plaza upgrades.
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Frankfort, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Older adults had no safe outdoor walking option and were forced to loop around a busy parking lot. CORE created a full-loop path with lighting, landscaping and benches for rest stops, plus trash and dog waste stations to keep the area clean. The new path offers a secure, scenic space for walking and biking, encouraging physical activity and social connection. Residents praised the project as a positive use of land that benefits people of all ages and look forward to spending more time outdoors.
Lebanon, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Older adults often skipped downtown events because seating was scarce and carrying chairs or umbrellas was difficult. To remove these barriers, the organization introduced the Helping Hub, a mobile cart stocked with folding and collapsible chairs with armrests. It also includes umbrella-cane combos for shade and mobility support and brochures on local services. Volunteers assembled and deployed the cart at events, making gatherings more inclusive. Participants expressed gratitude, saying it felt like "rolling out the welcome mat." The cart will continue to serve future events and is prompting other groups to consider similar accessibility measures.
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