Wichita artist Armando Minjarez has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Knight Foundation for his idea to connect two neighborhoods in the city.
"Horizontes," or "Horizons," is a community project that focuses on solidarity between Wichita’s North End and northeast neighborhoods. Minjarez says there will be a series of murals through an industrial corridor, including artwork on a giant grain elevator. Community engagement workshops will center on the experiences of people of color in Wichita.
“This is a great opportunity to combine two things that I love, which is art and community empowerment, to not only create a platform for artists of color, but it’s an opportunity for neighborhood residents to take ownership of their space,” Minjarez says.
An international artist and several Kansas artists will participate.
A new mobile app is also planned for the project to help capture the residents' stories and ideas. Data gathered will be prioritized to help guide future development, investment and policy that affects the neighborhoods.
The Knight Cities Challenge attracted more than 4500 ideas. Minjarez was one of 33 winners selected across the U.S.
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Carla Eckels is assistant news director and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter @Eckels.
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