Statement from ALLEGHENY Arts:

ALLEGHENY Arts is a dedicated organization and project committed to enhancing the beauty and quality of life within our community. Our mission is not only to uplift the residents but also to support current and future businesses. We are wholeheartedly focused on collaborating with the community to cultivate an environment that not only beautifies Pittsburgh but also serves as a beacon for tourism and engagement among residents of all ages.

Our vision extends beyond mere aesthetics; we aim to create a lasting impact that amplifies the efforts of surrounding organizations and fosters a sense of pride within the community. ALLEGHENY Arts operates with the sole purpose of community enrichment, devoid of any personal financial gain. Our commitment lies in the long-term success of our projects, and we firmly believe that this can only be achieved through genuine collaboration and dedication to the betterment of our community.

We are steadfast in our resolve to work hand in hand with the community, for the community, ensuring that our initiatives serve the collective interests and aspirations of all involved. ALLEGHENY Arts stands as a testament to the power of community-driven projects, and we invite everyone to join us on this journey towards a more vibrant and prosperous Pittsburgh and beyond.

Mission Statement:

"At ALLEGHENY Arts, our mission is to transform blighted and underutilized buildings and public spaces into vibrant tour destinations, sources of pride, and hubs of education and community building. We achieve this by fostering the creation of murals, hosting live events, and organizing an annual Street Art Festival within the ALLEGHENY Arts District. Through our initiatives, we aim to enrich the cultural landscape, promote artistic expression, and cultivate a sense of belonging and connection among residents and visitors alike.

ALLEGHENY ARTS DISTRICT

VIRGIN WAY

16th Street Bridge Area

CHESTNUT STREET

N CANAL STREET

SHIPPING CONTAINERS

Allegheny Arts Vision

Allegheny Arts is a vibrant and dynamic organization with a clear vision and purpose. The overarching goal of Allegheny Arts is to transform public spaces within the Allegheny Arts District through the creation of vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich murals.

Allegheny Arts District and all programs are designed to enhance, highlight and emphasize other Arts Initiatives in the Northside and work closely with all organizations. The Allegheny Arts Projects and programs are extremely conducive to collaborations in several forms.

The unique approach involves utilizing shipping containers as canvases and community spaces, making the most of their versatility and cost-effectiveness.

Key Components of Allegheny Arts Statement and Philosophy:

Utilization of Shipping Containers:

Shipping containers serve as an innovative and cost-effective canvas for murals. Modified containers, with added features like windows and entryways, can be repurposed for retail spaces, stages, and mural material storage Locations on Chestnut Street, 16th St. bridge area, and other strategic spots provide opportunities to activate spaces through murals and containers.

Strategic Locations:

Phase 1 Focus areas include Virgin Way(Actual Street) and the 16th Street Bridge Area.

Phased Approach:

Phase 1 (January 2024 to January 2026) Project Kickoff FALL 2024 - Overview: Creating awareness, engaging property owners, and obtaining permissions for 50 murals focusing  on Virgin Way and the the 16th Street Bridge Area., establishing these areas as key entry points to the district. Phase 2 (2024-2026) and subsequent phases aim for even more murals, with increased energy and community involvement the amount of murals increases each Phase as more walls become available getting permission for Penn Dot, Norfolk Southern, Some of Chestnut Street and the 16th Street Bridge Area murals infrastructure of Containers will be set up to consistently change and curate by the time of. Phase 4: January 2030 - January 2032 - Goal 250 Murals and Phase 5: January 2032 - January 2034 - Goal 250 Murals.

Community Engagement:

Murals are commissioned through a Call to Artist process, involving community meetings, input, and a rotating steering committee. Live Mural events featuring local and international artists, as well as community groups, contribute to the vibrancy of the district.

Educational Component:

Murals include a historic component with QR codes for educational purposes, providing information about the rich history of the north side. Allegheny Arts supports a diverse range of artists using various mediums, fostering creativity and expression.

Youth Employment and Curriculum:

Allegheny Arts collaborates with organizations focused on youth employment, providing opportunities for young individuals to engage in mural projects.

Curriculum includes mural painting, photography, and fashion, offering a holistic approach to arts education.

Partnerships and Budgeting:

Youth employment is not directly outlined in the budget; partnering organizations cover the expenses, contributing in-kind support. Collaboration with multiple organizations ensures a broad impact, with youth paid directly by the partnering organizations.

Process

Community Selection

Allegheny Arts selects communities based on such criteria as need, public accessibility, visibility, potential for impact in the community, number of at-risk youth, need for positive outlet for youth, and if the community has a graffiti problem or a need to decrease blight, which Murals help reduce or

eliminate. Often times community groups select Allegheny Arts by inviting the Mural process into their property of to collaborate with their organization or event.

Community Engagement

On average Allegheny Arts holds preliminary community meetings for every Mural series each personalized involving community youth organizations, property owners, political offices and other key stakeholders. A community selection committee is formed that is composed of key stakeholders including the property owners where the Mural will be painted. The Allegheny Arts core staff collect ideas from the community and compile a list of subject matter, locations, themes, and style for Artists work from.

Call for Artists

Once the walls has been selected and a selection committee has volunteered to review submissions, a call for Artists is held. After Artists have been prescreened and prequalified, they receive information from Allegheny Arts on themes and ideas expressed by the community. Artists are given a small stipend for preliminary designs inspired by the community’s ideas.Once Allegheny Arts has submissions from five or more Artists, they present them to the community virtually and at various meetings typically at the Comfort Inn, Allegheny Arts Headquarters, Allegheny Arts District, Northside, Pittsburgh 15212.

Artist Selection

Bios, resumes, and examples of past work are submitted along with the Artist’s preliminary designs to the community selection committee. The committee picks three or less finalists and makes suggestions to the Artists. The finalists are given time to refine their sketches and present them a second time to the committee. The selection committee selects the Lead Artist and Assistant Artist by voting on the best design.

Matching Artists and Community

Artists have to be pre-qualified by Allegheny Arts. Since they will be working with minors they need to be positive role models and have clearance to work with minors. They must attend or incorporate feedback community meetings to get to know the community and receive feedback on subject matter and content of preliminary sketches.

Selecting Youth

Allegheny Arts has ongoing call to collaborate with youth organizations, artists, teachers, etc. through its website https://kyle-holbrook.squarespace.com/config/, but also likes to partner with community organizations, which already build relationships with community youth. Places like local high-schools, After school programs, youth sports leagues, and religious institutions help promote the Allegheny Arts opportunities to local youth. On average 10 diverse youth are selected to be apart of each Allegheny Arts project. Allegheny Arts selects Youth Artists based on a combination of need and artistic skill. Allegheny Arts Programs are inclusive, providing opportunities for various populations on the disabled community to participate both mental and physically challenged.

Painting the Walls

Allegheny Arts utilizes MLK Mural Curriculum (attached) to educate the youth on the basics of drawing and Mural painting that follows along the Mural process and relate steps to future and possible careers within the arts. Each project has an art educator who teaches lessons that parallel Mural process. The youth assist the production of the Mural hands on at every step of the way. In the classroom they practice their Artistic skills while exploring positive themes about community, non-violence, diversity, and civic engagement.

The Finished Product

Allegheny Arts prides itself in the beautiful works of public art it has created over the years, as each one tells a story. During the Allegheny Arts Street Art Festival in the fall annually: t-shirts, cards and prints are sold from past projects. Also, the new clothing line and look book is unveiled. Allegheny Arts will sell on the website and Live Events programs: calendars, t-shirts, postcards with past project murals to generate revenue to support future Allegheny Arts projects and programs.

Partners

Allegheny Arts strongly believes that with partnerships so much more can be accomplished. It is through partnerships that Allegheny Arts will be able collaborate with thousands of youth, communities, Organizations, and Artists. Together we have created meaningful educational experiences and vibrant works of art for the world to see.

Allegheny Arts will partner with international, federal, state, city officials, countless youth organizations, school boards, schools, mentorship agencies, professional sports teams, seniors groups, community activism groups, After school programs, Boys and Girls clubs, religious organizations, foundations, other non- profits, private sector companies, and conferences. Allegheny Arts encourages organizations to collaborate and partner on projects in the future. We encourage everyone Join hands with Allegheny Arts to paint a brighter future for our youth. Thousands of people including youth, seniors, families, elected officials, celebrities, officers, firefighters can all paint together on certain selected murals on the project.

Youth Artists

The Allegheny Arts program for Youth Artists is designed to provide a transformative experience for young individuals, offering them opportunities for personal and artistic growth. Here are key aspects of the program:

Selection Criteria: Youth Artists are chosen based on criteria such as need, experience, artistic skills, and dedication to the public art creation process. The selection process ensures that young participants are genuinely interested in contributing to the beautification of their neighborhoods.

Community Engagement: Youth Artists actively learn about their neighborhoods and participate in projects that aim to improve the places they call home. The program fosters the creation of positive peer groups, encouraging collaboration and a sense of community among the participants.

Educational and Artistic Focus: The goal is to expose young individuals, particularly those approaching high school graduation, to the realities and benefits of both working in the arts and contributing to community improvement. Participants receive hands-on experience in Art and Design, learning the basics of artistic expression.

Work Structure: Youth Artists typically engage in the program intensively, working five days a week for six hours a day over a five-week period. After completing the program, participants receive a stipend as a recognition of their dedication and hard work.

Professional Guidance: Instructors involved in the program are experienced educators and established artists, providing artistic guidance and sharing their real-world experiences with the youth. This mentorship helps shape the artistic and personal development of the participants.

Potential Pathways: Some participants may choose to pursue higher education in the arts or consider careers in creative fields, showcasing the program's potential impact on future career choices. Others become more aware of their role in society, developing a sense of responsibility and becoming better citizens.

Positive Impact: The program creates a positive environment for youth, offering a safe space for creative expression and learning. Participants leave the program with a sense of accomplishment, having contributed to something positive and meaningful in their communities.

Paradigm Shift: Allegheny Arts aims to instill a paradigm shift, demonstrating to young people that making positive choices in life is cool and rewarding. The program provides a rare opportunity for participants to not only learn about history but also actively be a part of shaping it.

Community Leadership: Youth Artists have the opportunity to become members and leaders in their communities, showcasing the potential for long-term community impact beyond the duration of the program. The Allegheny Arts program for Youth Artists serves as a catalyst for personal and community development, emphasizing the positive impact of art, education, and community engagement on the lives of young individuals.

Professional Artists

Some of the best and brightest Artists the world has to offer will participate in the Allegheny Arts project. Their objectives are to work with the Youth Artists by educating them on the basics of drawing and painting, Artistic styles, and work with the youth to unlock the rich history of their community. Some Local, National and International Artists will participate in the Allegheny Street Art Festival focusing purely on the aesthetics and not youth education. AlleghenyArts with the Artists are leaders and coaches there to provide a safe environment for the youth. Professional artists work is sold at the retail kiosks at live events and the mural museum store as well as t-shirt as a self sustaining revenue contributing to future Allegheny Arts Programs.

Together the Youth Artists and Professional Artists go through a creative experience to learn and work together. They learn the power of teamwork, civic responsibility, and activism by working as a team to accomplish a common goal. After spending time as a group, friendships are born, and positive peer groups are formed. The Murals become the place where it all happens and the Artists make it fun and rewarding.

The ultimate goal is to beautify Allegheny Arts District, Creating landmarks and tourist destination and to empower youth through art education. By arming them with the skills and knowledge to create public art they become leaders in their community. Their voices are heard by the images they create. The artists teach youth entrepreneurship at the retail kiosks at Live Events especially in Phase 2 and beyond. Phase 1 we will set up some of the containers and infrastructure at events outlined in this proposal.

Key concepts revolve around teamwork, community involvement, respect for community history, and most importantly respect for themselves and their peers. Under the staff’s guidance the students will discover their talents but how to apply them as a professional and business person entrepreneur.

Both the professional and Youth Artists create the public art together during the Mural project and Professional Artists paint and some murals will involve public painting during the Allegheny Arts Street Art Festival. This is a large group effort, requiring teamwork, coordination, and hard work. The results are magnificent and rewarding to all who participate.

Allegheny Arts has an ongoing open call for Artists through its website . All Artists are prescreened and trained before participating in the Mural Process.

The Curriculum

The Allegheny Arts curriculum is initially adopting MLK Mural curriculum(s) of The Standard 25 day Mural Curriculum(attached), Fashion, Photography, for youth Artists but can be customized for any age group as well as for different populations of disabilities both mental or physical. Phase 1 we anticipate infusing historical lessons, sites, people and places from the Northside into the curriculum.

This five-week program designed to provide an ultra-positive learning experience. The curriculum consists of a structured daily schedule, a guidebook, and a series of drawing and painting exercises. Here are the key components:

Program Structure:

Duration: Five weeks, five days a week, for a total of twenty-five days.

Daily Schedule:

One hour of classroom activities

Five hours of mural work

One-hour lunch break

Guidebook:

The guidebook follows the five-week mural process, providing instructions on:

Proper techniques

Safety precautions

Step-by-step procedures, tried and tested over the years, covers the entire mural creation process from preparing and priming a wall to painting images and sealing the finished mural.

Drawing and Painting Exercises:Twenty-five one-hour exercises aligned with the mural process. Designed to teach basics such as drawing, color theory, painting techniques, scaling, patterning, and design. Facilitated by Allegheny Arts teachers and Professional Artists. Encourages positive peer interaction, teamwork, and communication among participants.

Integration of Local History: Lessons are designed to teach the youth about the local history of their neighborhoods. Exercises encourage reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. Youth Artists learn about the significance of their communities while honing their artistic abilities.

Hands-On Learning: Participants take the lessons learned in the classroom directly to the mural project. The curriculum emphasizes learning by doing, allowing aspiring artists to acquire practical skills in a safe and friendly environment.

Development of Cognitive Skills: The program aims to enhance cognitive thinking among Youth Artists. Participants not only learn basic art and design skills but also develop critical thinking abilities.

Positive Peer Interaction: Exercises are structured to promote positive peer groups. Youth are encouraged to interact, collaborate, and learn the importance of teamwork.

Safe and Friendly Environment: The curriculum emphasizes the creation of a safe and friendly environment for hands-on learning. The goal is to provide a supportive space for artistic expression and personal development.

Continuous Improvement: The curriculum, based on tried-and-tested procedures, allows for continuous improvement and refinement of the Youth Artist program.

Overall, the Allegheny Arts curriculum is designed to empower Youth Artists with artistic skills, community engagement, and a positive outlook, contributing to their personal development and the beautification of their neighborhoods. The Fashion, Typography and Photography Curriculums can be used in conjunction with a mural project for those students interested.

Qualitative Outcomes

Youth Benefits:

-Develop ownership of the condition of their neighborhood and become active participants in its beautification

-Receive basics of job training – for many of the Youth Artists this is their first summer job

-Go through a rigorous art and design class

-Work in a structured safe environment

-Develop positive peer groups

-Participate in positive activities in their neighborhood

-Avoid negative influences during the summer months

-Stopping the cycle of violence with a brush

Neighborhood benefits

-Public becomes engaged in their own community

-People become actively involved in the beautification of their communities

-Blight is reduced

  -It’s a well-documented fact that Murals reduce graffiti in neighborhood

-Since 2001 not one single Allegheny Arts has been defaced with graffiti

-Increase Tourism

-Benifit local business

-highlight and emphasize other Arts Initiatives in the Northside

-Decrease Crime utilizing “The Broken Window Theory”

North Side mural project will replace urban blight with colorful art- PG 1.22.24

The physical legacy keeping Mac Miller’s memory alive in Pittsburgh- The PITT News 1.19.24

New art organization seeks to beautify the Northside- Northside Chronicle 1.18.24

Steelers Daily News & Links: More Players Back Tomlin, Tomlin Mural- SteelersNOW 1.18.24

My Tomlin Mural- TriB 1.18.24

Mural of Steelers HC Mike Tomlin unveiled on Pittsburgh’s South Side- Steelers Depot 1.17.24

Mural of Steelers HC Mike Tomlin unveiled on Pittsburgh’s North Side- WPXI 1.17.24

Local artist paying tribute to Mike Tomlin with new mural- WTAE 1.17.24

New art group seeks to beautify Northside- Northside Chronicle 2.19.24

SEEN: Urban League Leadership Awards dinner raises over $400,000- Post Gazette 2.21.24