Partnership for Lawrence, Indianapolis Police, and the arts community are teaming up to create a mural for East District headquarters offices. The mural will be created indoors, in the roll call room, where officers will be able to see it every day before shifts.
The design is open to competition and anyone may submit their idea to represent the theme of the mural: IMPD East District serving the East Side Community, working together to build a Better Quality of Life. The community will be invited to help paint the winning mural once the funding is secured and the design selected.
Judy Byron, executive director of Partnership For Lawrence, said that the mural is part of their larger Community Mural Program. So far, two public murals have been created, thanks to the program — one at the Lawrence Art Center on Franklin Rd. and the other on the side of a strip mall at 47th and Franklin.
“This will be the third project we’ve been involved in. We think this will be a real opportunity to engage the community to build a better quality of life for everyone.”
Byron said previous murals have been fantastic experiences for artists, the community, and the businesses they engage. “It’s a great way to bring people together.”
They have already received some support for the project, including the 38th and Shadeland Community Improvement Association, Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE), and others who have stepped up to lend support to the murals projects. IMPD Officer Sherron Franklin, East District Commander Bruin, and Tom Crouch, with economic development, have been involved from the beginning to make the mural happen.
The mural fundraising goal is $3,000, Byron noted. “This will cover the cost of materials, plus the $1,000 artist prize money.”
A donation form, as well as a Call for Artist entry form and more information is available online at www.lawrenceartcenter.net/muralcompetition.
