The City of Sacramento and the Franklin Neighborhood Development Corporation are seeking artists to create two murals in the North City Farms neighborhood in southern Sacramento.
The murals will be located at the Highway 99 underpass on 21st Avenue and the wall of a nearby business.
“I am happy to see this much-needed attention on 21st Avenue,” said Councilmember Jay Schenirer, who represents the area.
Funding for the project comes from Caltrans’ Clean California program, which provides grants to reduce litter and help improve underserved communities.
“This partnership with the City, Franklin Neighborhood Development Corporation and Caltrans to beautify 21st Avenue is transformative for our communities, helps improve neighborhood aesthetics and most importantly increases residents’ safety, sense of place, and community pride,” Schenirer said.
Artists — or teams of artists — can apply for the project at the Franklin Neighborhood Development Corporation website. Applications are due Aug. 25.
A panel of community members and other artists will help select the final artist or team.
The project also will include new lighting, sidewalks, trees, and educational events to help educate people about illegal dumping.
“A large part of these grants are focused on reducing litter and illegal dumping through education,” said Lisa Moretti, an engineer with the City’s Department of Utilities. “We’ll be offering several events on waste disposal, illegal dumping and how to report it. We always encourage people to call 3-1-1 if they see illegal dumping.”
Staff hope the project will help reconnect several neighborhoods in the area, which were separated when Highway 99 was built in the 1960s.
21st Avenue is a popular walking route between South Oak Park, North City Farms, Franklin Boulevard and Ethel Phillips Elementary School.
Several City departments — including the Office of Arts and Culture, Public Works, and Utilities — are working on the project.
Other partners include Sacramento Regional Transit, Ethel Phillips Elementary School, and Luther Burbank High School, as well as local arts non-profits and neighborhood associations.