DAVENPORT, IOWA (June 17, 2024) — The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) is currently seeking three artists to create a mural during the 2024 Alternating Currents festival August 15-17, 2024.

Alternating Currents features 200+ performances across thirty-plus venues with a wide variety of music, comedy, film, and visual arts. It’s also the only bi-state, multi-city festival of its kind and the Quad Cities’ annual opportunity to flex its creative muscle for the world to see. Each year, the festival sets out to highlight the vibrant cultural scene, cultivate local creators, and showcase businesses that make the region unique.

"Mural Fest was added to the line-up last year and quickly became one of our most popular arts activations,” said DDP Program Director Alisha Espey. “We‘re excited to bring it back and witness the creation of diverse and inspiring artworks that will transform our downtown, leaving a lasting impression on residents and visitors alike.”

Mural Project Details

The mural site is located on the fencing at Armored Gardens, 315 Pershing Ave, facing 3rd St. The wall will be primed ahead of time in preparation for the event.

Mural-painting experience is not required, but artists are expected to have confidence in their ability to complete artwork within a two-to-three-day timeframe. Selected artists will begin drawing their design at the mural site on Thursday, August 15, and paint throughout the duration of the event on Friday, August 16, and Saturday, August 17. All murals must be complete by 9PM, Saturday, August 17, unless otherwise coordinated with a lead artist.

Artists are asked to choose a concept around what inspires you creatively. DDP aims to create a diverse collection of murals that combine various concepts on one wall-space.

For support, Festival Lead Artists, Heidi Sallows and Atlanta Dawn will be present on-site throughout the event to answer questions, address concerns, and provide guidance.

DDP will provide painting materials, primarily water-based acrylic mural paint. If selected as an artist, you can request additional materials such as spray-paint, based on your specific artistic needs. Scaffolding and ladders will be made available for artists who request them, ensuring easy access to the mural painting area. Muralists will receive artist credentials for the festival, which includes access to meals and refreshments in the artist hospitality area on Friday, August 16, and Saturday, August 17.

Selection Process

A taskforce comprised of members of DDP staff, DDP Public Art Committee and AC Mural Project Lead Artists will review applications. Up to three artist teams will be awarded the opportunity. Selection notifications will be distributed by Tuesday, July 16.

Each of the selected artists/artist teams will receive a $1,600 stipend for work on a 20’ x 8’ space.

Application Requirements

To participate in the Alternating Currents Mural Festival, prepare the following information for submission:

  • Design: Submit a design, either hand-drawn or digitally created, that fits within an 20' x 8' wall space. This design will determine your eligibility to participate in the festival.
  • Artist Bio: Provide a brief bio highlighting your artistic background and experience.
  • Previous Work: Include 3-5 photos of previous work completed on a larger scale, showcasing your talent and style.

The deadline for submissions is Noon on Friday, July 5. 2024. Apply here.

About Alternating Currents

Alternating Currents festival was founded in 2017 by the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), a division of the Quad Cities Chamber. Now the event is powered by DDP and has expanded to include host downtowns Downtown Bettendorf Organization and Rock Island Downtown Alliance. The event is successful because of the many creative partners and businesses who come together to create an amazing experience for all. This year, AC’s major contributors include Presenting Sponsors, Regional Development Authority (RDA), and Rhythm City Casino Resort and Major Partner, RubberStamp.net. Programming support is provided by investments from Music Partner, GreenState Credit Union, and Arts Partner, TBK Bank. Feature Stage Sponsors include Estes Construction, Nature’s Treatment of Illinois, and Palmer College of Chiropractic. Supporting sponsors include MidAmerican Energy and Metronet. Hive Event Consulting is a producing partner in the event. Media Partners include KWQC, Quad-City Times and Dispatch/Argus, Townsquare Media, and Planet 93.9. alternatingcurrentsqc.com

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