Five artists will be awarded the opportunity to create a mural during the festival that embodies the vibrancy of the QC
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 30+ 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, while making a lasting impression on how Quad Citizens and visitors feel about our region’s quality of place. We are excited to provide an opportunity for artists to make their mark on the festival and downtown Davenport through a diverse collection of murals.
“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, Aug. 18 and Saturday, Aug. 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. Selected artists will begin drawing their design at the mural site on Thursday, Aug. 17, and paint throughout the duration of the event on Friday, Aug. 18, and Saturday, Aug.19. By Saturday, at least 80% of the mural should be completed, and all murals must be complete by 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 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 Festival 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 3-5 photos of previous work completed on a larger scale, showcasing your talent and style.
Applications can be submitted here. The deadline for submitting applications is 12 p.m. on Monday, July 24.
For more information on the Alternating Currents Festival, visit the AC website.
For artist who have questions related to the mural project, please contact:
Atlanta Dawn
309.207.5630
atlantadawnart@gmail.com
Heidi Sallows, Co-Owner of Mural Soup Inc.
309.781.2891
muralsoup@gmail.com
More Info The mural fest addition to Alternating Currents is one of many art initiatives taking place downtown this year. DDP has worked with area organizations to increase the number of sculptures downtown, with a total of five temporary sculptures placed along 2nd Street. Emerson Place is undergoing transformation with a number of infrastructure improvements planned, including a section between Iowa Street and Pershing Avenue slated for resurfacing this fall, installation of festive lighting and new iron archways. There are also two new murals being installed by Quad City Arts Metro Youth at 3rd Street and Iowa Street. One will be loocated alongside the Sergeant Peppers building and gives a nod to the Motor Row Historic District. The other honors the late Quad Cities Legend Bill Wundram, with a theme that aims to portray his enthusiastic spirit for the Quad Cities.
This project has been made possible by the generous support of Alternating Currents Presenting Sponsors, Regional Development Authority and Rhythm City Casino, and Alternating Current 2023 Arts Partner, TBK Bank.
