Norman Arts Council mixer connects business owners, artists | Culture | oudaily.com

Oct 22, 2024

Mural Mixer graphic from Norman Arts Council website.

The Norman Arts Council announced it will hold its first Mural Mixer Thursday, an event intended to introduce Norman business owners to local muralists.

The mixer is part of the Norman Arts Council’s Mural Incentive Program. Launched in June, the program aims to enhance the city’s cultural landscape by providing matching funds to property owners who want murals on their space’s exterior.

According to a Norman Arts Council press release, the mixer aims to connect qualified muralists with property owners and business leaders who are interested in creating a mural for their building. Additionally, the release said the mixer is a chance for business owners and muralists to learn how the council can help fund their project.

Mural in downtown Norman on March 14.

As part of the Mural Incentive Program, the Norman Arts Council and Public Arts Committee will consider one-to-one matching of the mural up to $10,000. Applications for the Mural Incentive Program can be found online and must have written and signed approval from the respective property owner. The Public Arts Committee reviews submissions at its monthly meetings.

If the application is from a nonprofit organization, it is exempt from matching funds unless the project exceeds $10,000. There is no deadline for submissions, and all applicants can expect a response within 45 days.

Leslie Nottingham, Norman Arts Council executive director, said there has been only one approved submission to the program since its launch and an additional two applications will be sent in shortly.

“We know that some businesses aren’t sure of how to get started and are hoping the mixer will help with the process,” Nottingham wrote in an email to OU Daily.

According to the press release, artists from the pre-qualified mural artist pool and other local muralists wishing to talk with property owners are encouraged to attend the mixer.

The Mural Mixer will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at MAINSITE Contemporary Art on 122 E. Main St.

This story was edited by Shelby Emery. Matthew Moore and Grace Rhodes copy edited this story.

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Madeline Hoffmann is a senior culture reporter and news reporter. She aims to tell creative stories that better familiarize herself and others with the community. Stories are an important commodity that have the power to enrich lives and resonate with readers through journalistic curiosity, which Madeline hopes to further through her work. Madeline is from Flower Mound, Texas, and can be contacted at [email protected].

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