See More Projects Like This One

Houston, TX

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: To increase walkability and create a safe, beautiful gathering space, Avenue CDC engaged a local artist, local schoolchildren and residents to create a 600-foot mural. The wall selected for the artwork was off-putting and had been vandalized many times. But the site also acted as the entry point to the Northline neighborhood, since the wall faces the nearby light rail station. The mural's design pays homage to local Latino culture and the history of the neighborhood. As the mural reached its completion, Hurricane Harvey hit Houston and project organizers were able to repurpose leftover grant funds to help with recovery and rebuilding.

Henderson, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: The Flint Hill Kittrell Vance Community Development Corporation hoped to help foster economic development in Henderson's Flint Hill neighborhood, a low-income community. To create a sense of place there, the CDC created the Henderson Art Walk. First, volunteers worked to install murals and crosswalk art reflecting the area's history and culture. Local youth also took part in an oral history project, recording stories from their elders. A local website hosts an archive of the stories, along with photos of local public art installations. Then the CDC launched its walking tour, which highlights local Black history and culture. The walk leads visitors past local galleries and museums, as well as murals and crosswalk art. One mural honors Ben E. King, a Henderson native best known for writing and performing the song Stand by Me. The success of this placemaking project has inspired similar efforts in nearby communities and has spurred the CDC to create more public art.

Holdrege, NE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: This project will transform a downtown site once occupied by a derelict building into an accessible sculpture garden. Designed to host community events, the garden will feature trees, a mural, lighting, tables and seating.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Frederiksted, VI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project repaired damage to the historic Orchid House at the Garden by replacing the ridgepole and rafters, shade cloth and grillwork on the front of the building. It also updated the irrigation system.

Frederiksted, VI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project will improve the Adventure Nature Trail with new features, including a restored pavilion, benches and picnic tables, and signs identifying tree species and describing the area's history.

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