Experience Downtown Blog

Milwaukee Downtown seeks artist applications for gateway mural in Westown

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Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, in partnership with the Downtown Placemaking Task Force, has announced plans for a new mural at the northeast corner of James Lovell Street and Wisconsin Avenue. A request for qualifications has been issued seeking submissions from an artist or artist collective. The project, known as The Gateway Mural, will be installed this summer on the west-facing façade of 622 W. Wisconsin Ave. The approximate size of the mural will be 80 feet wide and 50 feet high.

"There’s renewed energy and unparalleled opportunities on Wisconsin Avenue,” said Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “We couldn’t have selected a more vibrant or impactful location. The Gateway Mural will welcome the thousands of residents, workers, students and visitors who travel the Avenue on a daily basis. We’re excited to delight them with new public art.”

Neighborhood input will be sought for the final design to ensure the subject matter corresponds to the context of West Wisconsin Avenue. The surge in investment along West Wisconsin Avenue, as well as newly announced catalytic projects will be taken into consideration.

"The Gateway Mural project will be a district-defining art installation and a true statement of the renaissance taking place in Westown,” said Stacie Callies, executive director of Westown Association. “We’re excited to have this soon-to-be iconic image at the doorstep of the central business district.”

RFQ applications must be submitted to Gabriel Yeager, gyeager@milwaukeedowntown.com, of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 by Friday, April 19. The final artist will be selected in early May with installation beginning in mid-June. The project is financially supported by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, Wisconsin Avenue Property, LLC (622 W. Wisconsin Ave.), a City of Milwaukee's Community Improvement Project grant, Westown Association and Interstate Parking.

The Gateway Mural is part of a series of recent projects administered by the Downtown Placemaking Task Force. The goal of these projects is to enhance the aesthetics of downtown’s “third spaces,” and encourage connectivity and walkability. To date, projects completed by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 and the Downtown Placemaking Task Force include the utility box mural project along Wisconsin Avenue and the Migration mural at the Jefferson Street pedestrian tunnel.

For more information, please visit the project webpage.