ARTS Briefs: DCA Releases RFI for Mural Works Program, and Awarded $3.6 Million Grant as part of The Monuments Project

LOS ANGELES — The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs or DCA July 20 released a Request for Ideas or RFI for the mural works program seeking mural concepts that are centered around social justice, notable cultural figures, or important histories relating to a specific neighborhood. The call is seeking muralists and muralist teams to submit their ideas for new, socially engaging, mural projects while supporting the advancement of young apprentices in the trade. Mural works is a pilot program developed by the DCA to help offset the lingering economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic incurred by muralists and young people in lower socio-economic communities. Muralists interested in creating social justice themed murals and working with youth apprentices are encouraged to apply. Project budgets are based on the total square footage of the identified wall, that can range from $10,000 to $25,000. 

Details: https://culturela.org/calls/mural-works-request-for-ideas-rfi/ 

DCA Awarded $3.6 Million Grant from the Mellon Foundation as part of The Monuments Project

The DCA July 20 became one of nine municipal grant recipients selected to receive funding from the Mellon Foundation for publicly oriented initiatives as part of The Monuments Project. The $3.6 million grant will support the construction of a memorial to the victims of the 1871 Chinese Massacre in Los Angeles. On April 6, 2023, the selection panel unanimously chose the team of Sze Tsung Nicolás Leong, a visual artist, and Judy Chui-Hua Chung, a writer, to complete the memorial in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles. Leong and Chung’s design is entitled A Grove of Trunks, Roots, Stumps, Trees, Histories, and Memories. Reflecting community aspiration for, and feedback on the project, it calls for a grove of tree-like sculptures, along with curvilinear benches and explanatory and poetic text, at the primary site adjacent to the Chinese American Museum. To mark secondary sites, the primary installation is complemented by a series of embedded sidewalk markers in the form of small leaves and accompanying text, as well as a freeway mural and the planting of native oak trees; these locations will be linked together as a walking tour informed by supplementary digital and audio content authored by Leong and Chung with key collaborators.

Details: https://culturela.org/programs-and-initiatives/1871-2