The Moline Public Art Commission (MPAC) recently commissioned the largest mural project in the City of Moline, and quite possibly the Quad Cities. This mural project has garnered a lot of coverage from local media, and has started a great conversation around public art, which we LOVE! Some commenters have been vocal about their disappointment that this project did not go to a local artist, and some believe this is a sign that the Quad Cities does not support local artists.

While we understand the frustration, we also believe this cannot be further from the truth.

Quad City Arts' role in most projects is not to choose the artwork, it is to facilitate and help the organization to reach its goals. This means we are uniquely situated to see the bigger picture, and in this instance support the choice made by MPAC. The Moline Public Art Commission operates from a Public Art and Placemaking Plan developed by the organization Renew Moline which was adopted by City Council. The negative comments have allowed Quad City Arts to see the validity of some comments and look at future projects and goals for our organization. Most importantly though, it is creating a bigger conversation around public art in the Quad Cities, and the more attention we can bring the more we can do! (Learn more about more than 50 public mural projects that we have facilitated by local artists or completed through our Metro Arts Murals projects: quadcityarts.com/public-murals)

This blog post will not spend time comparing non-local mural artists to non-local performing artists or the sentiment to support locals while doing most of the shopping at “big box stores” because much like those scenarios, there is room for both.

First, we need to start thinking about our public art as a collection. Much like an art museum does or you do with your personal collection. Art museums are great to visit because they have exhibits from around the world, and some have pieces from local artists as well. You may not think of the art you own as a collection, but it is. Think of what is on the walls in your home, some are from local artists and photographers, some come from your travels, and some may even come from Target. In both cases, these were curated by someone to be diverse in style, messaging, and themes.

Some additional reasons why it's important to diversify a public art collection: 

• Artistic Diversity: Non-local artists bring styles, perspectives, and influences that are not seen in a local community. This not only adds a new style, it has the potential to inspire other artists.
• Visibility: Nationally and internationally recognized artists garner broader attention to a community. This attention helps solidify a region as having an art scene, it draws in cultural tourists, and boosts the reputation of all arts and culture in the area.
• Representation: Communities are made up of many cultures and everyone should have an opportunity to see artists and artwork that reflect them. Not all cultures represented in a community have an artist that can create a large-scale mural, so hiring non-local can achieve that.
• Promoting Inclusivity: Commissioning murals by non-local artists can be a way to promote inclusivity and diversity within the art world. It sends a message that opportunities are available to artists regardless of their geographic location. This can also help local artists look for opportunities outside of their community.
• Fresh Perspective: Non-local artists may offer fresh and innovative perspectives on local issues, history, or culture. Their outsider viewpoint can lead to creative interpretations and new narratives that resonate with the community.
• Cross-Cultural Exchange: Murals by non-local artists can serve as a form of cross-cultural exchange, allowing the local community to learn about different cultures, traditions, and stories through art.

There should be a balance of local and non-local artwork and there is space in the Quad Cities for both! Thankfully, there are several projects that are currently in the works from cities in the Quad Cities Region.

​The conversation does not end here, come back next month for a post on how you (and your business) can support local artists!
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​Quad City Arts announced that the Quad Cities nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $29,030,438 in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts. That economic activity of $16,253,537 in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $12,776,901 in event-related spending by their audiences supported 712 jobs and generated $6,169,570 in local, state, and federal government revenue. Spending by arts and culture audiences generates valuable commerce for local merchants, a value-add that few other industries can compete with.

Building on its 30-year legacy as the largest and most inclusive study of its kind, AEP6 uses a rigorous methodology to document the economic and social contributions of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. The study demonstrates that, locally as well as nationally, arts and culture are a critical economic driver of vibrant communities.

“At Quad City Arts, we see firsthand the social impact of the arts on our community and on individuals, and we know that the arts have a significant impact on our local economy. With this study, we can put numbers to that impact. It is also worth highlighting that this study collects the impact of only non-profit arts and culture organizations in Scott and Rock Island Counties, it does not include the large number of for-profit arts and culture organizations,” said Kevin Maynard, Quad City Arts, Executive Director.

Nationally, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study reveals that America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry—one that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates $29.1 billion in government revenue.

“Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community longer. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents,” said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “When we invest in nonprofit arts and culture, we strengthen our economy and build more livable communities.”

AEP6 represents a reset from its previous versions, establishing a new benchmark in the AEP study series.

● Social Impact: For the first time, AEP6 expands beyond the economic and financial data to include social impact measurements of arts and culture’s effect on the well-being of communities and residents.

● Equity and Inclusion: AEP6 broke new ground by prioritizing equity, community engagement, and inclusivity. With the goal of reducing systemic bias, Americans for the Arts transformed its approach and expanded the inclusion and participation of organizations serving or representing BIPOC- (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and ALAANA- (African, Latine, Asian, Arab, Native American) identifying communities.

Nationally, the extensive research reveals proportional economic and community impacts among attendees at BIPOC and ALAANA organizations to the overall national average. These findings should initiate new, and escalate existing, critical funding conversations about BIPOC and ALAANA organizations receiving fair and proportional financial support.

Key figures from the Quad Cities AEP6 study include:

• Quad Cities nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $12,776,901 in event-related spending by its audiences.
• The typical attendee spends $27.18 per person per event, not including the cost of admission.
• 19.7% of arts and culture attendees were from outside the region in which the activity took place. They spent an average of $42.71. All vital income for local merchants.
• 88.9% of respondents agreed that the activity or venue they were attending was “a source of neighborhood pride for the community.”
• 83.2% said they would “feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available.”

AEP6 demonstrates the significant economic and social benefits that arts and culture brings to their communities, states, and the nation. To amplify the study results and raise awareness of these widespread benefits with public and private-sector leaders, seventeen national organizations partnered with Americans for the Arts on AEP6:

• Actors’ Equity Association
• African Diaspora Consortium
• Arts & Planning Division (American National Association of Counties ● National Conference of State Legislatures Planning Association)
• Black Legislative Leaders Network
• Department for Professional Employees
• AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations)
• Destinations International
• International City/County Management Association
• Independent Sector
• National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations
• National Independent Venue Association
• National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women
• Race Forward
• Recording Industry Association of America
• The Conference Board
• U.S. Conference of Mayors
  
  

By measuring arts and culture’s wide-ranging impact, public and private sector leaders can work together to secure funding and arts-friendly policies that shape more vibrant and equitable communities.

The full report, a map of the 373 study regions, and a two-page economic impact summary for each, can be found at AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org. For more information, follow us @Americans4Arts

The Moline Public Art Commission and Quad City Arts proudly announce that work will begin today on the mural at 1405 5th Ave, Moline IL. The Moline Public Art Commission has chosen Brooklyn-based artists, Jari “WERC” Alvarez and Gera “GERALUZ” Lozano for a transformative public art project that will breathe new life into the heart of our community.
 
WERC and GERALUZ will begin by projecting the design on the evening of Tuesday, October 17. The official ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on October 25th  at 1405 5th Avenue, Moline, at 4:30 PM with an artist reception to follow inside Analog Pizza and Arcade. All are welcome to join!
 
This exciting addition to the mural collection in Moline contributes to the well-being and vibrancy of the community, fostering cultural richness, and creating spaces that engage, educate, and inspire both residents and visitors. By incorporating public art into the fabric of our city, we strive to enhance the quality of life and promote Moline as a thriving cultural destination. Additionally, murals by non-local artists introduce a diversity of artistic styles and can attract attention on a broader scale, potentially drawing tourists and art enthusiasts to the area. This increased visibility can boost the city's reputation as a destination for art and culture.
 
The Moline Public Art Commission is excited to have secured these artists with exceptional talent for this monumental project. Werc and Geraluz have the ability to transcend cultural boundaries and provoke dialogue through their art. Their work also aligns with the Moline Public Art Commission’s vision of fostering a more vibrant and culturally inclusive community. This is the commission’s first public art mural since it was formed in late 2021, and the commission is excited to provide additional mural and art opportunities throughout the city of Moline, including both local and non-local artists as placemaking plans continue to develop.
 

BACKGROUND:
 
GERALUZ
Gera Lozano was born in the Amazon jungle of Peru and was raised in Newark, NJ from the age of 9. She has an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute in New Genres.
 
Gera Lozano is a conceptual artist based out of Brooklyn, New York. Using photos, video, artist books, and public art in her process, Lozano’s practice intentionally beautifies and brings to light both sacred patterns and the patterns woven into our social fabric. Both her studio and public artwork carry the energy of cultures’ dreams, that transform the ethnography and the current zeitgeist into abstract geometric designs. GERALUZ, as she is also known in the street art world, projects designs of living cultures that reflect the energetic fields of optical perception.
 
Lozano‘s artwork has been funded by the Creative Work Fund, the Zellerbach Foundation, the NEA; and is part of the Smithsonian American Art Archives. GERA’s public artwork can be seen throughout the Americas, in collaboration with agencies such as; The Washington State Arts Commission, The New York City Department of Transportation, The New York City Economic Corporation, The Trust for Public Land, The Municipality of Asuncion Paraguay, City of El Paso Museum Cultural Affairs Department, Sun Metro Rapid Transit System, Lower East Side Partnership, The Rockefeller Group & Creative Art Works. GERA’s art has been featured in Interior Design, Art Practical, The Manhattan Times, NJ monthly magazine, Street Art New York City, CBS, NJTV NEWS, and Univision. (www.geralozano.com)
 
WERC
Jari WERC Alvarez was born in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. (1980) and grew up in El Paso TX. It is on this border where it all began for Werc; 21 years ago, he became part of the graffiti movement and began his artistic career. WERC’s work is an aggregate of culture, symbols, graffiti, and design.
 
WERC’s work brings wonder into the urban environment with a free-flowing aesthetic, inspired by the dream-like nature of surrealism and grounded in geometry. WERC explores the balance in the aspects of duality and the politics of identity and believes art can weave communities' thoughts and aspirations.
 
WERC’s is a public artist currently based out of NYC, who paints murals throughout the world; His studio-based works have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, such as Musée de Aquitaine, MCASD, CAMLA, MOM, and are part of the Getty's special collections, the Smithsonian American Art Archives & the Cheech Marin Chicano Art Collection. WERC has participated in several mural festivals and initiatives such as the UK's See No Evil 2012, MX Color Walk 2014, & Peru’s Latido Americano 2016. In 2014 & 2015 WERC’s murals made the Top 10 murals of NYC and has been named one of the Top 10 most talented Street Artists in New York City. WERC’s client list includes Sony Pictures, Google, Heineken, PANTONE, BULGARI, and the San Diego International Airport, amongst many others, and has been published in various books, magazines, and media such as; Mural Art, Artillery Magazine, Graffiti Planet, and others. (www.wercworldwide.com)
 
 
About the Moline Public Art Commission
The Moline Public Art Commission, formed in 2021, advises the City’s Corporate Authorities in all matters pertaining to City-sponsored art in the Downtown Moline Public Art Program Area, as identified in the Public Art Master Plan approved and adopted by the City Council. The Commission’s primary goal is to increase the public’s awareness of all visual arts, including, but not limited to, the exhibition of sculpture, paintings, mosaics, photography, and video. The Public Art Commission is responsible for interpreting and reviewing proposed Public Art projects in Downtown Moline, Cultural Corridors, and Public Art Program areas.
 
About Quad City Arts
Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad Cities region through the arts. Their contribution can be seen in providing public art installations through the Public Sculpture Program, providing arts and culture programming through the Visiting Artist Series, involving residents in the decision-making process related to public art in the Metro Arts Program, encouraging economic development through arts and tourism, and collaborations and partnerships throughout the Quad Cities Metro Area. 
 
 
For media inquiries and further details, please contact: 
Kevin Maynard, Quad City Arts Executive Director, KMaynard@quadcityarts.com, 309.793.1213 ext. 101
Jeffrey S. Dismer, Moline Public Art Commission Chair, jdismer@studio483.com, Cell: 309-269-2301

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​The Moline Public Art Commission and Quad City Arts are seeking the design and installation of a public mural for an exterior wall in Moline, Illinois. The mural will be on the west-facing brick wall of 1405 5th Avenue and will be above the patio of a popular local restaurant. The mural will be highly visible as 5th Avenue is a heavily used downtown Moline corridor only blocks away from Mercado on Fifth.

This addition to the collection of public art in Moline is intended to enhance community pride, local quality of life, beautification, and creative placemaking, as well as increase the public’s awareness of visual arts in Moline. This mural project is jointly undertaken by the Moline Public Art Commission and Quad City Arts. The Moline Public Art Commission is excited to begin the process of finding a mural artist and believes this is an excellent partnership between two entities that share a similar goal.

“We are excited to implement this major art installation to be funded by the City of Moline through our commission,” said Jeff Dismer, Moline Public Art Commission Chair.  “Earlier this year we sponsored the installation of four public sculptures through the rotating sculpture program with Quad City Arts, and the 5th Avenue Mural will build on our goals to enhance the richness of character and make our downtown a more vibrant place to live, work, play, visit and learn.”   

The Public Art Commission, formed in 2021, advises the City’s Corporate Authorities in all matters pertaining to City-sponsored art in the Downtown Moline Public Art Program Area, as identified in the Public Art Master Plan approved and adopted by the City Council. The Commission’s primary goal is to increase the public’s awareness of all visual arts, including, but not limited to, the exhibition of sculpture, paintings, mosaics, photography, and video. The Public Art Commission is responsible for interpreting and reviewing proposed Public Art projects in Downtown Moline, Cultural Corridors, and Public Art Program areas.

“Nationally, cultural tourism is on the rise,” Kevin Maynard, Executive Director of Quad City Arts. “We are happy to help organizations in the Quad Cities to bring more art to our community. This is an exciting project and an excellent placemaking step for the city of Moline, and for the Quad Cities to grow our community collection of public art.”

Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts.
  
For more information about the open call, and to apply visit https://www.quadcityarts.com/moline-mural
Learn more about the Moline Public Art Commission: https://moline.il.us/1794/Public-Art-Commission​
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The Visiting Artist Series is turning 50 this year, and schools are invited to schedule engagements for the next school year with these artists. 
 
Schools will have access to professional performing artists who celebrate the diversity of the students and communities we serve as Quad City Arts also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the season. The series will provide outreach visits featuring music from Sweden, Japan, Quebec, Ireland, and Middle Eastern/American jazz, plus a bilingual children's theatre production, a female Muslim hip-hop dancer accompanied by a DJ, Native American music and dance, and a visual arts experience. 
 
As a keystone program of Quad City Arts, the Visiting Artist Series, which started in 1974 to present multi-disciplinary performing arts residencies in schools and community sites, has brought in 476 residencies, more than 830 artists, over 10,400 school visits, more than 450 concerts, and just over 2.73 million reached.  ​

New to the Quad City Arts team is our Operations Director Kady Patterson! Kady is an avid nature lover, and you may have seen her in a local theater production or two. She is an incredible addition to the office and fits right in here at the gallery. Get to know more about Kady down below!

Are you a Quad Cities native? What brought you to the Quad Cities?
Almost! I lived the first 20 or so years of my life in Geneseo, IL.

What is your biggest achievement/goal/moment of success to date – personal or professional?
Landing this job with QCA was a huge achievement for me. Working for an organization that strives to make my community a more beautiful and supportive place fills me with joy, and I am very much looking forward to the years to come.
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How did you first learn about Quad City Arts? 
Last year I was in a community theater show in Geneseo with Kevin Maynard.  Kevin told me all about the great things QCA is doing for the community and I thought it sounded like an incredible organization. When I saw they had an opening for Operations Director I jumped at the opportunity to become a part of this amazing team!

​What is one thing that might surprise people about you? 
I’m a total plant nerd. Love plants. I love growing them, looking at them, learning about them and eating them.

What are you currently watching on Netflix or TV?
The Great North is my go-to feel-good show.  

​Star Wars or Star Trek? 
Oh, Star Trek, 100%. The Next Gen. series holds a very special place in my heart. Jean-Luc Picard is my hero.

Where is the best pizza in the Quad Cities (or where you are from)? 
Tony’s Chicago Style Pizzeria in Moline – for some great deep dish, or Palace Tavern in East Moline if you want an awesome calzone. If I’m having “regular” pizza, my go to is the frozen cauliflower crust pizza from Costco. Controversial, I know. But if I make it at home I can add as many green olives as I want.

What is your favorite book? 
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins

Where is your go-to place for inspiration? 
Outside! If you are willing to pay attention there are a million dramas playing out every day in your yard.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?  ​
My secret dream is to be part of a traveling Shakespeare Troup.

If you could have a drink with any artist living or dead, who would it be?
Vincent Van Gogh, because I’d like to know just how crazy he really was.

Kady is running our behind-the-scenes operations, but she is still a friendly face here in the gallery. Don't be afraid to say hi the next time you see her!

Quad City Arts has facilitated the leasing and installation of public sculptures in the Quad Cities since 2002. This year, we are facilitating the installation of a record number of 22 sculptures. Sculptures are chosen by committees representing each city or venue and are leased for one year from sculptors living in the Midwest. All the sculptures are for sale and can be purchased by individuals, businesses, or a city for permanent installation after June of the following year. All newly installed sculptures, along with permanent sculptures purchased from past exhibits, can be viewed on Quad City Arts’ website www.quadcityarts.com/public-sculpture, with a map and driving directions.

The most exciting part of the process is watching a Hampton Crane operator use their boom to lift a sculpture from an artist’s vehicle, hoist it high in the air, and skillfully bring it down gently onto a concrete pad, as directed by the artist who created it. The artist will then drill holes into the concrete and secure the sculpture. (Hampton Cranes generously donates their services).

Selfies are encouraged and visitors can tag #QuadCityArts on Instagram, or @QuadCityArts to tag us on Facebook.  

​Below is a little insight into what the sculptures are about from the artists who created them:
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Are you a Quad Cities native?
Yes, born and raised in the corn fields of Illinois. Edgington was my home for most of my childhood. Graduated from Rockridge High School in 2001

What brought you to the Quad Cities?
Moved to Davenport in Jan 2002 to attend college at Marycrest International University on a softball scholarship. 

What is your biggest achievement/goal/moment of success to date – personal or professional?
I own my own business, Mississippi Marketplace in Davenport since 2018, which is a thriving 19,000 sq foot indoor flea market. I'm a stepmother of 2 amazing kids, Kayla Padavich 19 yrs old, and Cole Padavich 22 yrs old. I'm married to Jason Padavich since 2017.

How did you first learn about Quad City Arts? 
My friend Lori Byrd brought me to Festival of Trees two years ago to chair décor with her and at that time I learned of Quad City Arts and all the fun they bring to the Quad Cities through so many events like Chalk Art Fest, Riverssance, Visiting Artist Series and of course the biggest one of all, Festival of Trees!

What are you most excited for in your role at Quad City Arts? 
Creating an amazing event, Festival of Trees, that includes art, community, and fun--- that also funds all the amazing programs at Quad City Arts. It is really the impact on the community that drives me. The awe and wonder of Festival of Trees, but also being able to offer creativity in local artists that they may not know is available. Being just a small part of a huge overall goal and community building event is such an honor.

What is your favorite arts experience in the Quad Cities?
Festival of Trees of course!

What is your favorite arts experience outside of the Quad Cities?
I focus a lot on baseball events, I would consider those art experiences because they're completely immersive! It's amazing watching people in their element, doing what they do BEST!

Below is a listing of the organizations and projects funded through Arts Dollars:

• Aubrey Barnes
  Art for the City and the Soul Festival
• Azubuike African American Council for the Arts
  Pulling Focus: African American Film Festival
• Ballet Quad Cities
  Dance enrichment at Spring Forward Summer Camp
• Bix Beiderbecke Museum and World Archives
  Capacity Building-New computer/software for Bix Beiderbecke Museum
• Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley
  External Mural painted by Boys & Girls Club members with mural artist Sarah Robb
• Carolyn Krueger
  Providing pottery scholarships/instruction for students
• Crossroads Cultural Connections
  Summer Sunday Getaway Concert Series around Henry County
• Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Company
  Young Puppeteers Festival
• GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities
  Expanding art classes for students w/Down Syndrome
• Greg Hipskind
  QC Rock Academy Youth Art Festival
• Gwen Patton
  Portraiture Workshop
• Haus of Ruckus
  2023 Mainstage Season
• Hot Glass Inc.
  Support of Glass blowing field trips/experience for at-risk youth
• Kay Eichelberger
  Book of poetry about the black, teen experience
• Kinna’s House of Love
  Arts classes for participants; serving single homeless women
• Latoya D. Lewis
  “Art Journaling with a Purpose: Creative Self-Care” workshops with low-income senior women
• Living Proof Exhibit
  New Website and Marketing Plan Improve Living Proof Exhibit Capacity and Program Delivery
• Mercado of Fifth
  Dia de los Muertos Parade
• Mississippi Valley Blues Society
  New microsite to help engage younger demographic
• Muscatine Art Center
  Summer Performing Arts series for performances and workshops
• Muscatine Orchestra Boosters
  Muscatine Middle School Orchestra Camp
• NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative
  2023 girlpARTs Project
• Opera Quad Cities
  Production of Don Giovanni
• Peter Xiao
  Solo show “A Room That One Is In” at the Figge Museum
• Playcrafters Barn Theatre
  Productions of ‘Stop Kiss’ and ‘Skeleton Crew’
• Quad City Music Guild
  Providing ASL interpreters for 2023 season
• Shale Sage
  Creation of “Ope!”—a biannual photo ‘zine of local photographers and artists
• STEAM on Wheels
  Purchasing and Wrapping a New Vehicle to Transport STEAM Educational Equipment to At-Risk Quad Cities Students

 
To learn more about Arts Dollars, view our program page: quadcityarts.com/arts-dollars-grants
Arts Dollars Program 2024 grant cycle will be opening in December of 2023!