There are some very exciting things happening in East Lawrence, Kansas right now. Due to its proximity to Downtown Lawrence and the up-and-coming Warehouse Arts District, East Lawrence is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Douglas County and there are no signs that will be changing in the foreseeable future.
Because of the desirable location, rich cultural history and deep-seeded love of our neighborhood, East Ninth Street, between Massachusetts Street and Delaware Streets received a prestigious ArtPlace Grant in 2014. More information about the ArtPlace Grant can be found HERE. Essentially, this Grant provides $500,000 for public art aspects (administration, design, fabrication, and installation) along 9th Street. In addition to the $500,000 Grant, the City of Lawrence has pledged approximately $3 Million toward additional design and construction surrounding the project.
For a neighborhood who has seen little infrastructure improvement in years, this is a huge opportunity to better the neighborhood and make it a desirable location to live for years to come.
In a memo dated August 4th, 2015, the City of Lawrence announced the final artists for the project. They are:
East Ninth Artists
Zia
Stephen T. Johnson
Integrated Artists
James (Jim) Woodfill
The deadline for the Associate Artist program was August 3rd and selections for that program should be coming soon.
The design phase is just beginning and the excitement for the project is building. A website and Facebook group were recently started to encourage support for the project among neighbors and other stakeholders. If you are interested in the project and showing your support, please visit our website at www.eastninth.com or our new Facebook Page – Community and Culture on East Ninth.
The website includes a comprehensive FAQ page with information about the project, which is very helpful in getting caught up with the process.
We would love to hear your thoughts and what you’re most looking forward to about the project.
Related Links & Articles City of Lawrence East Ninth Website East Ninth.com Community and Culture on East Ninth Lawrence Arts Center el dorado, Inc.
6 News Lawrence Story – August 3, 2015 Lawrence Kansas Live BLOG