[Fayetteville, North Carolina] – The new, state-of-the-art community murals located at the intersection of I-295 and north Ramsey Street in Fayetteville’s Northside corridor are now complete. The murals entitled "We Are Fayetteville: Legacy and Future" are a beautifully vibrant and innovative scenic design that adds enormous value to the cultural, aesthetic, and economic vitality of our community.
The concrete bridge support structures were transformed into a wondrous work of art that depicts symbolic scenes and vibrant colors reflective of the community's lifestyle and history. This interpretation creates a sense of place reflective of the City’s inclusive, yet diverse, community expressed through green and gold images of agricultural and recreational scenes that symbolize its thriving neighborhoods and businesses.
Through a nation-wide search, a Mural Advisory Committee created by the Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County (Arts Council) selected Fuquay-Varina's mixed media artist and muralist, Jermaine "JP'' Powell, through a blind jury competition process. After engaging with local residents and learning of their interpretations of life in their community, Powell’s final visionary design for the murals was approved by the Fayetteville Public Arts Commission and City Council capturing a visually compelling rendition of life in the Northside that represents the community's strong sense of pride, family, unity, and growth... all the things that make Fayetteville a desirable place to live, work, and play.
The power of art continues to inspire thoughts, emotions, and joy as onlookers see a representation of themselves and the rich history, heritage, and legacy of Fayetteville reflected through the mural. "Sometimes art isn't about the work, it's about the process of telling your story of the sacrifices and efforts you put in everyday to make this city a great place," says Jermaine "JP" Powell, muralist. "I want this mural to be an international landmark, a place where people from all over the world will come to see and learn the story of what Fayetteville is... a welcoming community."
The grant request to the National Endowment for the Arts in 2018 was based on the concept of turning 'gateways' into 'great ways' to enter the city of Fayetteville. Completion of the mural spurs the possibility for future public art and beautification projects across Fayetteville that would make our roadways and public spaces brighter. "The images created by Powell capture the rich sense of community so evident in the lives of the residents on the north side," says Bob Pinson, Interim President of the Arts Council. "We hope to use public art in many forms throughout our community to continue to provide opportunities for conversation and learn from one another. Together, we can move into a brighter future for all."
Project planning was made public in February 2020 as part of Fayetteville’s Corridor Revitalization Project, a collaboration between Fayetteville|Cumberland Parks and Recreation and the Arts Council.
Fayetteville's Northside community mural project was a partnership with the Arts Council, Fayetteville|Cumberland Parks and Recreation, City of Fayetteville Government, Cumberland County Government, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Visit the City of Fayetteville NC Government Flickr page to view promotional videos and photos of the murals or log onto WeAreTheARTS.com/295mural for artist bio.
City and County leaders ask drivers to prioritize safety and follow regular traffic flow at the murals.
__________
About the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County
The Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization based in Fayetteville, NC that supports individual creativity, cultural preservation, economic development, and lifelong learning through the ARTS. As a primary steward of public and private funding for arts, cultural, and historical activities in the Cape Fear Region, all affiliated programs of the Arts Council exemplify our 5 core values: Excellence, Accountability, Transparency, Collaborations, and Innovation. theartscouncil.com
In the year 2021-22, the Arts Council distributed almost $1 million in grant funds and allocations to Cumberland County arts and culture non-profit organizations, artists, and municipalities.
Grants, programs, and services of the Arts Council are funded in part by contributions from community partners, and through grants from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources. ncarts.org