NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The City of Newport News is partnering with The CAN Foundation to create the "Newport News Street Museum," a city-wide mural project that will highlight diverse locations throughout the city.
The city says it will encourage placemaking, promoting tourism and strengthening community and regional connections.
Murals are being painted around the city on buildings and underpasses this summer.
"We are excited to work with The CAN Foundation to enhance the vibrancy of Newport News while supporting the local arts community," said Cindy Rohlf, Newport News City Manager. "Newport News is a hub of creativity and innovation, with an active and engaged community of artists. The Newport News Street Museum will help create a sense of place while encouraging residents and guests to explore our city and experience unique works of art."
The project is being complete by regional and national muralists, including Nadd Harvin, Carl Medley III, Mahari Chabwera, Earl Mack, Austin Miles, Yusuf Abdul Lateef, Andrew Samuel Harrison, Dathan Kane, Alex Michael and Asa Jackson.
"The CAN Foundation is proud to partner with the City of Newport News on this groundbreaking project," said Co-Founder and Executive Director of the CAN Foundation Asa Jackson. "As a long-time Newport News resident, business owner, and nonprofit operator, I'm honored to guide this project that will beautify our city and highlight our commitment to supporting the arts. Newport News is an emerging market for artistic creativity, and the Street Museum provides a platform for us to amplify this talent for the world to enjoy."
The city says that while artists have already begun working on murals throughout the city, Newport News and The CAN Foundation will officially launch the Street Museum project during the World Arts Celebration on Saturday, July 29 from noon to 5 p.m. at Victory Landing Park.
The free event will have vendors, performers, artists and interactive education stations, and during the event artist Nico Cathcart will be high up on a lift at The Warwick Hotel working on a mural for the Street Museum.
