Collection: Public Art in New Orleans East: Altering the Perception of a Vital Corridor through Art and Engagement
The Joe W. Brown Park youth mural series is part of a multi-year creative placemaking project spearheaded by NOLABA and Arts New Orleans called “Public Art in New Orleans East: Altering the Perception of a Vital Corridor through Art and Engagement.” The project coincides with broader revitalization efforts in the East. Our goal is to celebrate the diverse cultures of the East, shift its perception by beautifying community assets, and create a sense of place along once-thriving commercial corridors. The youth mural series was phase one of an initiative that will include large-scale sculptures along Lake Forest Blvd and at I-10 exits. Arts New Orleans secured a $75,000 National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy and NOLABA to support the project.
Youth artists met with several stakeholders and researched New Orleans East history and heritage to create murals that speak to the identities and aspirations of the community. The youth artists solicited input through a community design workshop and online surveys. Through a partnership with NOVAC, youth participants documented the process of making each of the four murals. The murals were unveiled at a community celebration that featured a second line parade through Joe W. Brown Park.
The project resulted in four gorgeous murals in New Orleans East.
Artists: Journey Allen (Lead Artist Mentor), Wendo Brunoir (Lead Artist Mentor), Ceci Givens (Lead Artist Mentor), Jamar Pierre (Lead Artist Mentor), Ceaux (Mentor), Gabrielle Garcia Steib (Video Artist Mentor), Gabrielle Tolliver, Victoria Phan, Elijah Turk, Elmore Antone, J'Mya Antone, Allie Bell, Tyrenn Bijou, Derek Boykins, Leah Butler, Greyson Cupit, Angel Dounseroux, Nia Gates, Gabriella Gilchriese, Jovan Green, Aaran Hogan, Nia Jackson, Lamaj Mathis, Miya McGill, Oliver Mickens, Erin Miller, Andria Montgomery, Aliyah Pflueger, Melaya Rayford, Cierra Sutton, Delise Hampton, Asia-Vinae "Preach" Palmer, Cory Poree, Kristian Williams
Partners: New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA), the Jones Family, Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy, City Council District E, Eastern New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Council, New Orleans East Matters Coalition, Friends of Joe Brown Park, NORDC, Algiers Economic Development Foundation, New Orleans East Hospital, Audubon Nature Institute, East New Orleans Business Development District, New Orleans Public Library, NOVAC
NOVAC Artist Mentor: Gabrielle Garcia Steib
Youth Artists: Jovan Green, Greyson Cupit, Nia Gates, Elmore Antone, and Erin Miller