Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling today announced a new City-funded public art project, entitled Dream Street, in the heart of South Norwalk. Through partnerships with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Corridors Initiative and Norwalk Arts Commission, a need and desire for more public art along the MLK Corridor was identified. Mayor Rilling dedicated resources to the project to ensure its success.
“The MLK Corridors Initiative is a great partnership between faith-based groups, private investors, and leaders in the private and public sector. The Dream Street project will be a powerful aspect of this Initiative,” said Mayor Rilling. “Dr. King fought for equity and had a vision of a more just society. He influenced future generations who continue his work on the ground and in communities across the country. I encourage our local artists to bring their ideas, inspiration, and passion to this project.”
The Dream Street project will be curated by ArtUP.CT and aims to create site specific art installations, events, and improvements in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Corridor in South Norwalk. Dream Street will celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, build community, create opportunity and identity, and foster inclusion. Artists interested in being considered for one of the multiple art installation projects should submit a cover letter, resume and a few samples of their work to NorwalkArts@norwalkct.org. Submission deadline is April 23, 2021.
Through an Open Call process, a total of 10 Artists will be selected for a formal proposal request with a stipend. From these proposals, a final project will be picked for production for Summer 2021. Artist selection criteria will be based on work experience and relevance to the project.
Final Proposal Artist(s) will be provided with an outdoor space in a prominent public area within the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Corridor with support from local community organizations. A special ribbon cutting event will be held to celebrate these artists and their contributions to the MLK Corridor. More details will be announced later this spring.