Client: Main Street Elkader

Overview

Main Street Elkader seeks artists to create wall art for the main alley through downtown that are bold, unique, family-friendly artistic statements that reflect our dynamic, healthy and art-friendly community. The artwork will enhance this Cultural and Entertainment District and contribute to Elkader as an arts and retail destination. Three murals and two printed panel artworks applied to the rear façade in the alleyways are planned for this initial phase of the project. The printed panel pieces provide an opportunity for artists working in two-dimensional non-mural painting mediums to express their work through a large-format printed panel display.

Goals

Main Street Elkader prides itself on cultivating downtown partnerships that are beneficial for our stakeholders as well as our community as a whole. We are excited to be launching a new creative placemaking project (an evolving field of practice that intentionally leverages the power of the arts, culture and creativity to serve a community's interest while driving a broader agenda for change, growth and transformation in a way that also builds character and quality of place) Our alleyways are a main walkway through the heart of our downtown and visible to visitors, we'd like to transform them as an asset and unique destination. This project will benefit the community as a whole.

By building and reinforcing community culture, public art can act as a catalyst for community generation or regeneration. Data strongly indicates that cities with an active and dynamic cultural scene are more attractive to individuals and businesses. This Art in the Alley project, as well as future public art projects, will be important for strengthening Elkader’s sense of place and the future identity and economic growth of our community.

Process

Artist Application Review Process
Reviewed by the Main Street Elkader Design & Cultural/Entertainment Committees

Selection Criteria
The Selection Committee will take the following into consideration when reviewing application:
Local Artist
Iowa Artist
Family Friendly
Experience
Creative use of location
Unique expression
Bold expression
Destination/placemaking