#ArtHappensHere Murals Support Reopening the Creative Economy in Montgomery County
The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) and the Montgomery County Public Arts Trust are excited to announce a Call for Artists promoting the safe reopening of Montgomery County’s creative economy and cultural industry. #ArtHappensHere seeks to commission up to fifteen temporary murals or banners throughout the county that encourage residents and visitors to reengage with the arts and humanities sector.
“The arts and humanities were among the first businesses to close due to COVID-19 and are among the last to reopen as the county intends to lift remaining capacity limits, mask mandates and physical and social distancing requirements on May 28th” says Suzan Jenkins, CEO of the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County. A financial impact survey conducted by AHCMC in January 2021 shows a projected loss of $81 million for the county’s creative sector by June 30, 2021. “It is imperative that efforts to reconnect and reengage reach audiences far and wide because of the devastating impact of the pandemic on our cultural community. Reminding the public that Montgomery County is chock full of creative and cultural experiences to enjoy is just one way AHCMC is supporting our community reopening.”
The #ArtHappensHere murals can be created in any media that can temporarily be installed outdoors. The Call for Artists is open to professional artists/designers based in Montgomery County that are over the age of 18 through June 1. Artists currently on AHCMC’s Wall Artist Roster will be considered; artists/designers not on the roster may submit for consideration on the roster and the call. Selected artists will be paid a $1,500 commission and the first 100 artists/designers submitting concept proposals will be paid a flat $50 stipend. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, all persons of color) and LGBTQ artists/designers are highly encouraged to apply.
Submission deadline for #ArtHappensHere is Tuesday, June 1, 2021 by 11:59 p.m.
For more information and to view the call, visit:
https://www.creativemoco.com/experience-art-culture/public-art/arthappenshere-mural-projects/
Established in 1976, the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) is the county’s designated local arts agency. Our vision is to provide leadership that sustains arts and humanities organizations, artists, and scholars and inspires participation in Montgomery County’s rich cultural assets. The Public Arts Trust is AHCMC’s central program for managing, commissioning and conserving all public art on County-owned property, as well as supporting other public art projects throughout Montgomery County. Today, the County’s public art collection includes 258 outdoor sculptures and murals as well as more than 500 works on paper. For more information about AHCMC, visit www.creativemoco.com or connect with AHCMC on Facebook and Twitter.