WILLISTON – The City of Williston is seeking conceptual plans for artwork for the future 4th Street West Cultural Corridor.

“Initiated in 2013 and approved March 2014, the Downtown Plan identified a ‘cultural corridor’ that connected Recreation Park, the Old Armory, and the James Memorial Art Center,” said Principal Planner Rachel Laqua. “The goal is to connect cultural and recreational areas of downtown via walkable, vibrant streets.”

The 4th Street West Cultural Corridor is located between Main Street and Second Avenue West and is part of the state-awarded Urban Grant Program.

As part of the program, the state of North Dakota awarded the City of Williston about $204,000 to help fund the project and has recently offered an additional $275,000 in direct funding.

All the above funding is managed by the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

The City of Williston will fix sidewalks and install street trees, new lighting, and curb bulbouts along the route but is seeking muralists, sculptors, and artists of all ages to propose multiple concepts for art to be placed along the corridor.

Submissions will be received from now until March 1, unless otherwise posted.

Concepts must correspond with the theme of “Community Reflections,” and fall into one or more of the following categories:

1. Functional Art – benches, bike racks, trashcans, etc.

2. Wall Art – murals, mosaics, etc.

3. Interactive Sculpture – large scale (10′ x 140′ available)

4. Sculpture – smaller scale

5. Community-Based Project – involves community members of all backgrounds, ages, etc.

The City and 4th Street West Cultural Corridor Committee will work with selected artists to finalize plans, determine artwork placement, and implement the concept over several phases.

“This project will better connect Recreation Park to Downtown, provide an attraction to visit Downtown, and create a more walkable environment,” Laqua said. “Downtowns are the hearts of communities, and public art is an amazing way to showcase the talents of our community while creating a fun environment for all citizens.”

For more about the 4th Street West Cultural Corridor, including detailed submission guidelines and how to submit concepts, visit: https://bit.ly/4StWCulturalCorridor.