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Downtown Business and Professional Association (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
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.
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See More Projects Like This One
Doraville, GA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Residents of all ages will collaborate to create rotating murals that showcase local stories and identity. Art events will give older adults low-impact creative options, foster intergenerational bonds and beautify shared spaces.
Lafayette, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: 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.
Granby, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Granby hosted the RKY MTN WALLS street art festival, Grand County's first ever mural festival. Over seven days, Denver-based artists created eight massive murals on Main Street, which celebrate the area's diversity and culture. The festival also featured cornhole competitions, face painting and opportunities to create art on canvasses provided by event organizers. Following the festival, residents formed a public art committee to continue promoting community art.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Max, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To beautify its downtown, the City of Max added hanging flower baskets, benches and picnic tables, as well as raised garden beds. The undertaking was a community effort for the small town (Max only has 131 residents). A local community club picked out the flowers, with another group of older residents volunteering to plant them and keep them watered. Project organizers say they hope the brightened streetscape encourages residents to get out and stroll through downtown.
Towner, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: A chairlift will be installed in a restored historic building to help adults age 50-plus and people with disabilities safely reach the upper‑level museum space. This will enable visitors with mobility challenges to take advantage of local resources.
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