Harris County's crime prevention and neighborhood safety program is one step closer to launching a $3 million public art-based initiative in 11 targeted communities that aims to shape the physical space, spur economic development and promote social change.
Explained
The 11 neighborhoods were prioritized based on high social vulnerability; violent crime rates; and lack of infrastructure, such as limited streetlights and sidewalks, according to county administration officials.
The Civic Art Initiative is part of Harris County's 2021 program called the Clean Streets, Safe Neighborhoods Crime Prevention through Environmental Design.
- The public art initiative aims to reduce violent crime through interventions in specific ZIP codes or U.S. census tracts with the highest rates of violence through the installation and improvement of infrastructure.
- Murals
- Mini murals
- Park installations
- Sculptures
- Artistic crosswalks
- Signage
Civic Art Initiative investments will be made in neighborhoods already identified for other Clean Streets, Safe Neighborhoods investments to maximize impact, according to the county agenda document.
The timelineAccording to the art initiative's guidelines, precinct officials will request proposals from nonprofits, small businesses and individual artists to solicit art projects in their neighborhoods.
With a $250,000 grant budgeted to each community to complete the art installation, the project's approximate timeline is:
- Request for applications deadline: second-third quarter of 2024
- Deadline to announce grantees: fourth quarter of 2024
- Project completion: third quarter of 2026
