EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Arts Council, together with the City of East Providence and area artist Anna Dugan, are seeking community input during a design workshop on a street mural being created this fall, thanks to the recent receipt of a Bloomberg Philanthropies “Asphalt Art Initiative” grant.

A community meeting to discuss potential designs for the work is scheduled for Thursday, May 26, from 4:30-6 p.m. at Agnes B. Hennessey School located at 75 Fort St.

The project team here, together with the community, plans to install the street surface murals in the vicinity of Hennessey and the Pierce Memorial Field Complex this September.

Bloomberg announced last fall East Providence, along with eight other municipalities, would receive funding as much as $25,000 for intersection and crosswalk murals as part of the initiative’s second phase. In 2020, 16 cities gained monies as part of the initial Asphalt Art Initiative grants.

“Asphalt art projects help cities reclaim public spaces, make them brighter and safer, and build community – all important goals, especially amid the continuing hardships of the pandemic,” said Michael Bloomberg, the media mogul and former mayor of New York City who’s foundation started the program. “Cities that tap into the power of public art bring new life and energy to city streets, inspiring residents and fostering a shared spirit of neighborhood pride. There can be real civic strength in public art, and this program helps cities capitalize on it.”

The purpose of the project is city is to improve pedestrian safety in the vicinity of Hennessey and enhance connectivity between the school and the adjacent Pierce complex. It will include the installation of intersection and crosswalk murals, as well as other site enhancements
East Providence was one of only 26 cities nationwide to be awarded the grant, which is focused on revitalization, community beautification, and enhancing safety in busy city locations.

Dugan, from Salem, Mass., was selected because of her extensive experience with the type of mural involved as well as engaging community members for their opinions. Dugan’s works can be viewed at https://www.annadidathing.com.

“One of the most common requests EPAC gets is to spearhead public art projects that allow for community participation, especially those that allow for the participation of children,” said Arts Council Chairwoman Jennifer Gillooly. “Being able to partner with the sity, the school community, and local residents on this is exciting. I’m so grateful to the East Providence Planning and Economic Department for taking a lead on writing this grant, and for doing such a tremendous job."