Storyboard is leading a community-driven process to administer $500,000 of American Rescue Plan funds for public art projects in Muncie, Indiana. The works that will emerge from this effort will be transformative - both for the neighborhoods in which they reside and for the City of Muncie as it elevates its collection of public art. The works will be deeply connected to community values, celebrating history and neighborhood pride while activating and uplifting the public realm for all. Two neighborhoods are in the process of installing new public art: Thomas Park/Avondale and Whitely.

Artist and site selection for Whitely began with a community workshop hosted by Storyboard and Lauren Day. The collaborative session created space for neighbors to share their values, potential installation locations, and how they want to be able to interact with the new artwork. Key values shared by the community include neighborhood pride and history, offering a space for gathering and play, and ensuring the public art experience is accessible. Participants identified Shaffer Chapel, Connection Corner, and the Buley Center as key spaces to add public art in Whitely.

Storyboard managed the RFP process for both neighborhoods, inviting community-aligned artists from an applicant pool to submit proposals for each of the identified installation sites. Voting is now open for Whitely community members to select their favorite option for each space - stay tuned to see what new public art is in store for the neighborhood!