Within the first year of acquiring funds we will revitalize the blight in our district by clothing the bare walls with awe inspiring murals. Our muralist will be local, national, and international artist who’ll be granted residencies for the duration of their work. Grants and low interest rate loans will be available for building repairs and business implementation. Lofts some of which offer a storefront for artists to live, work, and display their creations will populate the district. When we feature an artist in our downtown we have the ability to cross promote them i.e. our beer vendors can feature their art on beer cans. Shops, motels, and hotels can feature works of art in their venue lobbies and rooms. The future Smoothie shop can design a drink after the artist. Restaurants and other food venues can offer a menu dish in honor of various artists. In future when people think of Rocky Mount foremost will be the thought of a bustling city that emits creative energy where everything is art. They’ll speak of our Arts District where we have a diverse cultural community celebrated for performing artists from actors, musicians, dancers, and comedians to tattoo artists and shops. As we work to realize our vision of 500 apartments in 5 years, Art will be one of the magnets to help attract them.
