DAVENPORT, IOWA (July 6, 2023) — The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) seeks artists to create murals during the 2023 Alternating Currents festival. Five artists will be awarded the opportunity to create a mural that embodies the vibrancy of our Quad Cities community during the festival, which takes place August 17–20.
Alternating Currents features 100+ acts across thirty-plus venues with a wide variety of music, comedy, film, and visual arts. Each year, the festival sets out to highlight the vibrant cultural scene, cultivate local creators, and showcase businesses that make the region unique.
“This mural will add great value to our placemaking efforts in downtown Davenport and illustrates the talent of our local artists, too,” said DDP Executive Director Kyle Carter. “We’re thrilled to offer QC artists a chance to be creative and build our unique sense of place.”
Alternating Currents Mural Project Details
Mural experience is not required, but applicants should have the ability to complete the artwork within a two-to-three-day timeframe. Each of the selected artists will receive the following compensation and benefits:
- Each selected artists/artist team will receive an $800 stipend for their work on an 8’x10’ space.
- Artist credentials for the festival, which includes access to meals and refreshments in the artist hospitality area on Friday, August 18, and Saturday, August 19.
- Paint and materials will be provided.
The mural site is located on the garage doors at the rear side of the building located at 221 E 2nd Street. The space is located within the Motor Row Historic District. The mural wall will be primed ahead of time in preparation for the event. The new mural will add to several other arts initiatives downtown, including five new sculptures on 2nd Street and two new murals located at 2nd Street and Iowa Street created by the Quad City Arts Metro Arts program.
Selected artists will begin drawing their design at the mural site on Thursday, August 17, and paint throughout the duration of the event on Friday, August 18, and Saturday, August 19. By Saturday, at least 80% of the mural should be completed, and all murals must be complete by 3PM on Sunday, August 20. Painting materials will be provided to the artists, primarily water-based acrylic mural paint. Artists may request additional materials based on their needs. Scaffolding and ladders will also be available.
Project Lead Artists Atlanta Dawn and Heidi Sallows will be present on-site throughout the event to answer questions, address concerns, and provide guidance.
Selection Process
A taskforce comprised of members of DDP staff, the DDP Public Art Committee, and Lead Artists Dawn and Sallows will review applications. Up to five selected artists will be notified of their selection by Friday, July 28.
Application Requirements
Artists will apply to participate in the Alternating Currents mural by submitting the following:
- Design: Submit a design, either hand-drawn or digitally-created, that fits within an 8'x10' wall space. This design will determine your eligibility to participate.
- Artist Bio: Provide a brief bio highlighting your artistic background and experience.
- Previous Work: Include three to five photos of previous work completed on a larger scale, showcasing your talent and style.
Applications can be submitted here. The deadline for submitting is 12PM on Monday, July 24.
About Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP):
DDP, an affiliate of Quad Cities Chamber, provides place-management services for downtown Davenport’s business improvement district (Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District, or SSMID). Its focus encompasses three pillars of work: Business and economic growth, infrastructure, and livability, and advocacy and promotion. DowntownDavenport.com
