It is obvious that the art of modern times is vastly different to art of the past. Detailed and mountainous marble sculptures have made way for the shorter and longer lasting bronze or copper statues. Entire ceilings depicting biblical times in a variety of splendid colors that are still discernable despite the vast distance are now being compared to a painting of a banana duct taped to a blank wall, and although the message of said painting is valid, it is apparent that the quality of art we uplift is not of the same degree as in the past. However, that is not such a bad thing. Art is a reflection of the times, and in the modern era, society has pivoted away from the arts in favor of more business centered approach to an occupation. Gone are the days where governments pay artists millions to craft a single piece; indeed now it is up to private millionaires to commission their own décor. This is not to say that artists do not exist, but it is significantly harder to name five well known modern artists and may be even harder to name their artwork.
However, the essence of art lies in their ability to innovate, and in modern times that ability presents itself in the age-old practice of murals. Murals have always been present as ways to make political or social statements, or simply to beautify a space. From the fresco murals that dominate Rome to more local murals that depict the struggles of modern times, they are just one of many ways artists express themselves, and their ability to capture moments and history makes them incredibly sought after as local centerpieces. The City of Conway, Arkansas is inviting qualified artists to submit their qualifications to create original artwork and murals to be displayed in prominent locations throughout the city and must be appropriate for all ages. This gives artists the ability to project their voice and display their creativity by blending their own ideas into the city's history or cultural background.
Despite art and artists not being held up to the same reverence as the Renaissance, art is still valuable, especially in a society that is progressively leaning towards minimalist and utilitarian building layouts. These murals can inject color in the blandness that dominates so many spaces, and the story they have the potential to tell can truly make the area stand out compared to the rest. If done right, it can lure more people out to see the mural or just have people linger outside more, perhaps even inducing a more capitalistic outcome if there are stores or restaurants nearby. Regardless, murals have the ability to put an identity to the city it resides in, making it part of a city's infrastructure that reflects the vision of those that live in it, a perspective that is not as easily discernable looking at the buildings that populate it.
If interested in this opportunity, click on the link to learn more. The bid closes February 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM CT.