AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
VI Council on the Arts (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
The Virgin Islands Council on the Arts commissioned local artists -- all of whom were older adults -- to create four murals at a local recreational complex. Intended to extend the Yacht Haven Public Arts Initiative into more neighborhoods, the new murals focus on Virgin Islanders' heritage and history. Subject matter includes an ocean vista with sail boats, a scene from everyday Island life and an homage to local athletes. Project organizers say they hope the new public art instills a sense of neighborhood identity and adds color to walls that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Baltimore, MD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: This project will create a large-scale mosaic mural. The project will involve community members in workshops, fostering artistic engagement and beautification in Baltimore's Park Heights neighborhood.
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."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Perth Amboy, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: Perth Amboy sought to create a welcoming space that reflects its cultural heritage and fosters intergenerational connections. The "Eternal Bonds: Stories of Love and Legacy" mural project installed three custom-designed murals in the Housing Authority's community room, with older adults shaping the design through a paint-and-sip event. The unveiling celebration drew more than 100 attendees, including local artists and residents. The murals transformed the room into a cultural hub for ongoing events, strengthened social ties and promoted local artists. Diverse involvement ensured the artwork reflects shared values, and the project is expected to boost community pride and engagement for years to come.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
St. Thomas, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Hurricanes left many parks in disrepair, and intense heat made outdoor spaces uncomfortable for older adults. The project built a durable shade structure with two ADA-compliant picnic tables near a playground, skate and bike park and open field, creating a cooler, welcoming spot for all ages. Volunteers also repaired a ballpark dugout and extended a concrete slab to improve accessibility. Families now use the shaded area for gatherings, and older adults enjoy a safe place to connect while watching activities. Built to withstand harsh island conditions, the structure will serve the community for decades.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Charlotte Amalie, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: Older residents in public housing often missed visitors and deliveries because hearing loss made it hard to hear knocks, leaving them isolated and at risk. To address this, the housing authority installed 200 multi-sensory doorbells that provide visual, auditory and tactile alerts, and volunteers offered one-on-one orientations and shared other services. A territory-wide radio campaign promoted the program. The devices improved safety and independence, helping residents age in place and stay connected. One resident said that the doorbell has been very helpful and necessary addition for him, reflecting the confidence these upgrades bring.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Virgin Islands State Office
4094 Diamond Ruby
Suite 6
Christensted (St. Croix), VI 00820
United States