A group that promotes and supports the growth of Ocala is seeking additional funding to create window murals on vacant storefronts throughout the heart of the city to improve aesthetics and strengthen the sense of community.
Ocala Main Street will present a grant application to the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission for $3,500 for “vacant storefront activation” during the commission’s regular meeting on Wednesday, December 4.
According to the application, the project consists of contracting local artists to create temporary window murals for vacant storefronts throughout downtown and midtown.
“These murals will be designed to reflect the city’s culture, history, and natural beauty,” reads the proposal narrative associated with the project. The organization believes that by using local artists, the project will “foster a sense of ownership and pride” among members of the community.
The group hopes to implement the program on an annual basis as vacancies arise.
According to the application, if approved, the first mural would be placed at the Florida Department of Corrections building located at 24 NE 1st Avenue. The application suggests the building, which has sat vacant for many years, is a “large eye sore” with “eight 10′ window sections.”
Based on additional funding, the group hopes to add murals to several other locations in downtown, including the Hilton Garden Inn, The Corkscrew, and Molly McGuires.
According to organization, companies will be solicited to sponsor murals in exchange for being able to list their information on the QR code associated with each work of art.
“The hope is that Ocala Main Street can obtain enough funding from FAFO, OMAC and other sources, to activate every current vacant storefront and have reserves to continue the program as new vacancies pop-up throughout the year,” reads the application.
According to the application, OMS has requested $5,000 from Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO). That grant will be restricted to artist compensation, while the grant from OMAC would be used for supplies and for additional locations.
Artists who complete murals will be compensated based on the size of the window. All of the art will be completed with chalk paint and will be removable within 12 months. Chalk paint will be provided to the artist for no additional cost and there is no application fee required by the artist.
OMS believes the improvement to the city’s downtown and midtown facades will have a dramatic impact on the area.
“Activating vacant storefronts can have a profound positive impact on a downtown area. By revitalizing these spaces, our city can improve property values, boost economic activity, enhance aesthetics, improve safety, and strengthen the sense of community,” reads the application.
Are you in support of the new initiative? Share your thoughts in a comment below or submit a letter to the editor.
