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VI Council on the Arts (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public art installations
└ Public art installations
To highlight the culture, history and traditions of the island of St. Croix, the VI Council on the Arts created a new mural. A local artist blocked out the artwork's design, then project organizers engaged volunteers -- including retired community members and people with disabilities -- to help paint. Installed in a busy area frequented by local fishermen, the mural depicts fish and coral native to the Virgin Islands. In the future, the Council plans to work with the community to create more murals.
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See More Projects Like This One
Pikeville, TN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: In a rural community with high poverty and an aging population, cultural isolation limited opportunities for engagement. To address this, Pikeville created an Indigenous History mural depicting the Trail of Tears, supported by a skilled artist and QR-coded videos for deeper learning. The unveiling event brought residents together for a guided tour, sparking dialogue about heritage and resilience. Now a permanent feature downtown, the mural serves as an educational tool and catalyst for similar projects, offering older adults a meaningful way to connect with history and foster unity.
Bismarck, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: A deteriorating pedestrian tunnel along Bismarck's riverfront trail discouraged use and raised safety concerns. To address this, the organization engaged 684 residents, including older adults, in paint and mosaic parties to create dozens of mural panels and a mosaic piece. Artists were trained in the Polytab method, ensuring the mural lasts decades and withstands harsh weather. Beyond aesthetics, the project fostered social connection and creative engagement for older adults. Upon installation, the tunnel will be transformed into a welcoming space and local artists will be equiped with sustainable skills.
St. Thomas, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: 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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Frederiksted, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Hurricane Maria left the Orchid House at St. George Village Botanical Garden in ruins, exposing orchids and damaging shade structures and irrigation. The Society restored the space by installing a new roof frame and shade cloth, replacing hazardous grillwork and repairing the irrigation system. Volunteers relocated and repotted orchids and refurbished the interior. The renovation revived a historic site and boosted engagement, with membership growing by more than 10 percent. The number of volunteers increased as well. Residents expressed appreciation, saying the garden feels "like a sacred place." The project will support ongoing orchid care and cultural education.
Frederiksted, VI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: This project will implement disaster preparedness training for residents age 50 and older. Participants will learn evacuation procedures, emergency planning, and communication strategies.
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AARP Virgin Islands State Office
4094 Diamond Ruby
Suite 6
Christensted (St. Croix), VI 00820
United States