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This is an open call for artists to create public art on roadways, pedestrian spaces, and public infrastructure in the Smithfield neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama, to improve street and pedestrian safety, enhance public space, and promote civic engagement.
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Get matched →Create Birmingham serves as the arts partner for the City of Birmingham on a new public art project in the Smithfield neighborhood that will enhance the intersection of 8th Avenue West and Center Street. The City of Birmingham received an Asphalt Art Initiative grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies for this project, designed to fund visual art on roadways, pedestrian spaces, and public infrastructure to improve safety, enhance public space, and promote collaboration and civic engagement.
Birmingham’s Asphalt Art Initiative project seeks to activate a critical juncture of mobility, social infrastructure, and history in the Smithfield neighborhood. The intersection and adjacent library plaza are currently underutilized and have great potential as a community gathering space.
The call for artists was open to qualified artists, aged 18 or over, residing in or with a demonstrable history of working in the City of Birmingham. Artists with connections to Smithfield or the surrounding neighborhoods were especially encouraged to apply.
Rather than submitting site-specific proposals at this stage, artists were asked to submit qualifications via an artist statement/bio.
Painting the asphalt intersection and activating the library plaza with new signage, temporary furniture, and art installations will create a stronger sense of welcome. A new micro-mobility hub and planned bike/scooter lanes will introduce new transportation options, and a new bus shelter will increase rider comfort. These elements will work together to create a neighborhood hub. The installation process will include community participation.
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On Saturday, October 15th, community volunteers will come together to create this asphalt art as a team in collaboration with the City of Birmingham, led by artist Lydia Walker. 75 volunteers are needed for 2-hour slots from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 12:00 – 2:00 pm, and 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Water will be provided, and food trucks will be on-site. Volunteers will meet at the Smithfield Library and will be called a week prior to confirm. Additional details on your shift will be provided at that time. Come dressed to paint and ready to create! In case of rain, the Paint Party will be rescheduled for October 22nd.
If you have questions regarding the project, please email us at [email protected].