Following the successful launch of the City of Sterling Heights’ first-ever Public Art Mural Program in 2018, the Sterling Heights Arts Commission is seeking businesses interested in participating by offering a side of their building or business.
Under the 2020 Mural Program, interested businesses will fill out a form on the City’s website identifying their building and designated wall for the purpose of public art. If selected by the City to participate, the business owner will be required to sign the City’s lease agreement for $1 a year for five years, for a total of $5. The City will then commission the artist and install the public art mural.
The City of Sterling Heights has been home to public art for decades, but recently began investing in murals to bring art, color and creativity to formerly blank or uninspiring facades throughout the city. The City – specifically the Arts Commission – is looking for highly visible, otherwise dull walls to install more exciting public art.
“We’re thrilled to hopefully partner with business owners in Sterling Heights to bring more beauty and color to blank spaces,” said Community Relations Director Melanie Davis. “We’re certain this will continue to energize and add vibrancy to these specific areas of our City. We’ve seen great response to our first three murals and hope to continue this forward momentum.”
In 2018, three murals were installed by the City of Sterling Heights with input from the Arts Commission. The first is located on the back of the Sterling Heights Public Library, the second along the slope wall of the M-53 underpass along the Dodge Park path and the third on the back of the BP Gas Station at Dodge Park and Utica Roads. This May, in partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), the City will receive its fourth mural on the façade of its Police Station, honoring the men and women who serve in the police force.
Selected businesses for the 2020 Mural Program will be invited (but not required) to attend an Arts Commission meeting this spring to meet the commissioners and share any thoughts they may have about the theme or motif for the mural. Ultimately, the City will select the design. To be considered for the program, interested business owners can go to https://www.sterling-heights.net/mural_program and fill out the form. Murals as part of this year’s Public Art Program will be installed sometime between May and October 2020.
Businesses or media with questions can contact Community Relations Director Melanie Davis at mdavis@sterling-heights.net and at (586) 446-2471.