‘A form of expression’

Call for artist to create themed mural downtown

Three days after over a dozen Brownsville residents protested outside of City Hall in support of activist Rebekah Hinojosa, who was charged with allegedly defacing the controversial “BTX” mural paid for by Elon Musk, the city extended a “Call for Artist” to create a new mural.

In an interview with The Rider Wednesday, Brownsville City Chief of Staff Marina Zolezzi said the idea to develop a location-specific mural downtown came about as the result of collaboration with partners, such as the Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts and the Brownsville Beautification Committee.

Zolezzi said murals are a form of expression and “a place where individuals can gather or be inspired by the positivity and vibrancy of our community.”

“We hope that this will also help boost the local economy,” she said. “One of our focuses … is to support the focus on downtown Brownsville as a destination for arts, culture and nightlife.”

Another of the project’s goals is to explore community themes and involve local artists and partners, according to Zolezzi.

She said the city’s last mural project, which Los Angeles artist Teddy Kelly was paid $20,ooo to paint, involved  “a lot of collaboration with … local partners.”

“We took what we saw as successful [with the last mural], and then added to it by adding the [Call for Artist] process,” Zolezzi said.

Applicants for the project, which is also funded by the Musk Foundation, must be local and have experience painting murals.

The application, which closes March 10, requires a small portfolio with images of past mural works, an artist statement, a preliminary budget breakdown and materials list, mural proposals and a summary of the applicant’s career and qualifications, or curriculum vitae.

Proposals must be based on community themes, such as culture and history, Brownsville innovation, city sites, wildlife or local educational institutions, according to the city’s “Call for Artist” guidelines.

“We’re proud of our city and our community,” Zolezzi replied when asked about the future mural’s theme. “Not only do we want to have this mural to be enjoyed locally, right, but when we have out-of-town guests or visitors, it’s a great way to continue to share with them what our culture’s about. What we have to offer.”

The prospective mural location sits on 13th Street, near 1268 E. Elizabeth St. downtown, around two blocks from the “BTX” mural, and measures a total of 1,127 square feet.

The mural guidelines include that the lead muralist will receive an honorarium, or payment, of $5,869.79. However, Zolezzi added that the Brownsville Beautification Committee will match a portion of that amount, bringing the total to, “hopefully,” $11,268.12.

An extra $1,173.96 will be provided for supplies. Other essentials, such as the powerwashing of the wall, rental of an aerial lift and volunteers will be provided, separately.

“These organizations that are listed on the call for artist … UTRGV, [Revival of Cultural Arts] and the Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts, can help provide volunteers and these volunteers can get a stipend,” Zolezzi said. “It’s really providing experience, right, having that opportunity and experience for different artists.”

No upkeep will be provided once the mural is completed, according to the “Terms, Conditions & Reservation of Rights” portion of the mural guidelines. This means the mural will be allowed to erode with time and the collaborative bodies for the project will not be obligated to repair damages or clean off graffiti.

For more information, email murals@brownsvilletx.gov.