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Ground plane mural project aims to improve pedestrian safety in Little Rock's SoMa area

Do you want to design a mural at the intersection of South Main Street and 13th Street? The Downtown Little Rock Partnership is looking for artists.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The SoMa area south of Interstate 630 in Little Rock is looking to add more life to a part of the city that's already a "little fun" and a "little funky."

That life will come in the form of asphalt artwork, and the Downtown Little Rock Partnership (DLRP), City of Little Rock, SOMA 510, Inc., and SOMA BAM are looking for an artist or artist team to create a design to spice up the area.

According to DLRP, the ground plane mural will span the complete square of the four-way intersection at South Main Street and 13th Street.

Credit: Downtown Little Rock Partnership

The project is part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative grant program, and Little Rock was one of 25 cities selected from among more than 200 applicants. 

DLRP said the project aims to:

  • Improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists
  • Beautify the historic SOMA streetscape and encourage visitors to spend more time in the area;
  • Slow vehicular traffic, while increasing pedestrians and cyclists
  • Bring more art to this burgeoning neighborhood and be the first street surface installation at a full intersection in the city
  • Promote collaboration and civic engagement in the community

$15,000 is available for artist stipends to help pay for supplies, travel and lodging during all project phases. DLRP said they would manage the funds and work with the artist team to create an installation plan while ensuring the artwork was "appropriate for street application."

Completed application materials should be submitted digitally to PublicArt@downtownlr.com by March 25.

For more information about the opportunity, click here.

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