While New Orleans navigates the economic impact of the pandemic, many storefronts in downtown New Orleans sit vacant and shuttered.
Now, downtown store owners can get help in making their vacant store fronts look beautiful thanks to the Downtown Development District’s Vacant Storefront Program.
The program is designed to enhance the storefront of a property by placing either a graphic panel or artist designed mural across the building. The program will improve the appearance of the otherwise vacant space and the street and encourage more economic development activity and commerce, said DDD officials.
DDD
Here is how to apply:
Grant Amounts and Eligibility
The storefront murals are subject to approval by the DDD and the property owner.
These art installations are likely to cost about $1,000 to $3,000 per typical storefront. Grant funds will be available upon satisfactory completion. Eligible applicants for the program are building owners and/or business tenants currently owning or leasing property within the legal boundaries of the DDD as well as prospective owners /businesses planning to locate within the area.
DDD approval process
The application process is as follows:
1. Initial inquiry by property/business owner based on outreach by DDD staff or an expression of interest by the property/business owner.
2. Schedule an appointment and meet with DDD staff for an informational overview of the process and initial review of the proposed project.
3. Complete an Art Mural application.
4. Obtain a signed Art Agreement from the property owner and artist.
5. Prepare a mural presentation package.
6. Submit a complete mural presentation package to staff.
7. The property owner shall obtain necessary permits from the New Orleans Office of Safety and Permits which is subject to its regulation and oversight.
8. Complete the mural within 30 days of the application approval.
Criteria for Approval of Improvements Covered by Grant
The work of the artist should be of professional quality; the mural itself must also be of exceptional quality and of enduring value for the City of New Orleans and the Downtown Development District and the following criteria.
1. Original art which pertains to New Orleans’ uniqueness and aligns with the DDD’s vision and economic development strategies.
2. Appropriateness of the visual imagery for all audiences (not reflecting partisan politics or containing sexual or religious content or expressing a commercial aspect, etc.).
3. Choice of visual imagery that enhances the aesthetic experience within the City and the character and nature of the site.
4. Appropriateness of the design for all viewpoints to the mural (by pedestrians, from moving vehicles, seated audiences, etc.).
5. Suitability of the wall surface to receive proposed materials and to enable technical detailing, wall preparation required, and directional exposure of the mural to minimize fading of color and installation issues.
6. Installation must incorporate DDD logo and/or message.
Click here to apply for the grant program.
