The iconic "midtown" sign in Bagby Park will help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in September.
The Midtown Cultural Arts District, in conjunction with Fresh Arts, is looking for an artist to create a Hispanic Heritage Month-themed design for the "midtown" sign in Bagby Park. The design would be on display from September 7 to October 23.
Cynthia Alvarado, Director of the Midtown Cultural Arts District, explained that the guiding message for artists is the phrase, "Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One." She said they're looking to highlight the diversity in Hispanic identity.
"[There's] 20 different countries that are associated with Hispanic heritage month," Alvarado said. "We want to try to include everybody as much as we can."
This will be the second year that the sign celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month.
"I think it’s important that we recognize Hispanic Heritage Month for our city... we are such a diverse community and Latinos are really all in every aspect of our city and in every neighborhood of ours... There’s a place for everyone in Houston to be able to rise above and succeed. That’s the beautiful thing about this city and what I love the most about it... everyone has a chance here," Alvarado said.
The artist selected for the project will receive $1,200 and a social media package. The installation will have a link to their website and a video of the artist explaining their inspiration that they can later use on their social media. Alvarado said she hopes that the winner will be able to gain recognition from the sign.
The deadline for applicants is August 28. The design will then be chosen by a group of panelists. More information about the contest is available here.
"We just really want people to come out and see it. Enjoy the art, come and see what it means to you and how it speaks to you," Alvarado said.