Wilmington, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: Wilmington's aging public art was falling into disrepair, eroding neighborhood pride and cultural history. To address this, the museum launched a six-month Public Art Stewards program, employing eight residents to clean and document 21 works of art and refurbish six pieces. Participants also earned OSHA and CPR certifications plus financial literacy training, building skills for future employment. The effort restored neglected art, improved neighborhood aesthetics and created career pathways. One steward shared, "Public art is so integral to the evolving soul of our city... This program is such a cool path to personal enrichment and future opportunities."

Wilmington, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: Older adults in Wilmington's District 8 faced isolation and limited access to cultural experiences after the pandemic. To address this, the museum installed six large-scale murals across the neighborhood, including two at nearby living centers, featuring Jazz Age illustrations and quotes. These vibrant works transformed building facades into accessible art spaces, encouraging residents to step outside and engage with their community. The project sparked plans for annual installations to sustain revitalization. As one councilmember said, "The Delaware Art Museum team has done it again... Wilmington has yet another nationally, if not internationally, known exhibit right here in our backyard."