NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Monroe, LA) – The City of Monroe has been awarded a $90,000 grant from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Thriving Communities Program. This subgrant, specifically designated for public mobility safety planning, will be utilized to develop and install vibrant murals on Monroe Main Street’s Art Alley and S 2nd Street corridor.

For nearly a year, Monroe has benefited from the technical assistance provided by the Thriving Communities Program, which supports selected communities with technical assistance, including preparing application materials, engaging in pre-development activities, and implementing innovative community engagement and workforce development strategies. This grant is a direct result of the City’s ongoing involvement with the program and exemplifies the tangible benefits it brings to Monroe.

The grant will be used to hire local artists and purchase the necessary supplies to bring these murals to life. These public art installations are part of a broader initiative to celebrate Monroe’s rich cultural heritage while enhancing public spaces for the community’s enjoyment.

In partnership with the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, the City will soon issue a Call for Artists to participate in this exciting project. A review panel will be established to evaluate the submissions, with artists being selected based on their application and scoring criteria.

“We are thankful to the U.S. Department of Transportation for providing the Thriving Communities Program to small and rural communities across the country.” said Meghan Risinger, Executive Grant Writer for the City of Monroe. “The technical assistance provided by the National Main Street Center and its partners have been invaluable. I am so excited to be able to integrate public art into a pedestrian safety project. Hopefully, this project will be the first of many that uses art to make infrastructure and transportation projects fun!”