Local news- Press Release
Glastonbury Connecticut - GLASTONBURY MLK39 MURAL PROJECT LAUNCHES CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN COMMUNITY SURVEY 16 February 2024 ( news )
Glastonbury , state Connecticut ( By Press Release office)
Feb 16,2024
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GLASTONBURY , CT , February 15 , 2024 – A
crowdfunding campaign
launches today with a goal of raising $7 , 500 – to be matched dollar - for - dollar by Sustainable CT through its Community Match Fund – for a significant mural at Glastonbury Town Hall that seeks to honor local history , foster dialogue on civil rights , and promote diversity and inclusion through public art .
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
This ambitious mural , envisioned to adorn a prominent exterior wall of Glastonbury Town Hall , is being brought to life by the collaborative efforts of local residents , the Town of Glastonbury , the gifted Connecticut - based artist Micaela Levesque , and CT - based nonprofit RiseUP for Arts . With expected completion by summer 2024 , Glastonbury is set to be enriched by a meaningful piece of public art that will stand as a testament to the community’s commitment to justice and equality . Upon the mural’s completion , Glastonbury will join a growing list of communities participating in RiseUP for Arts’
MLK39 Racial Equity Mural Tour
, an effort to create 39 murals across the state for each year of Martin Luther King , Jr . ’s life .
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS:
The essence of this mural project lies in its core principle of community - centric development . As such , a group of residents , students , business professionals , representatives of the Historical Society , Glastonbury Arts , Glastonbury MLK Community Initiative , and two members of the Town Council have joined together to form the Glastonbury MLK39 Mural Project Community Advocate Group . With the project recently approved by Town Council , the Group and RiseUP are focused on engaging community members in the mural design process . In an effort to ensure that the mural reflects Glastonbury’s rich tapestry of history , stories , and aspirations , a
community survey
is now open for response . To access the survey , visit
https://bit . ly/GlastonburyMuralSurvey
. Prior to submitting your feedback , you have the option of providing your email to receive updates or to express interest in helping to paint the mural . Community members are encouraged to participate in the survey and to share this special opportunity with neighbors and peers .
TOWN SUPPORT:
At their regular meeting on December 5 , 2023 , the Glastonbury Town Council approved the mural’s future placement at Town Hall , provided it will “feature images significant to Glastonbury’s history , with a focus on those who furthered the cause of civil rights . ” The Town of Glastonbury subsequently contracted with RiseUP to host a crowdfunding campaign , solicit public feedback , and coordinate project logistics such as artist selection and mural installation . A draft design will be presented for the Town Council’s feedback and final approval before mural painting begins .
FUNDRAISING EFFORTS:
The budget for the mural project is $15 , 000 and includes artist payment , materials and supplies , community engagement , and a celebration event to be held upon completion . If a minimum of 75 community members can successfully raise $7 , 500 , the project will qualify for a $7 , 500 match grant from
Sustainable CT
to achieve the total budget goal . Through its agreement with the Town of Glastonbury , RiseUP is hosting a crowdfunding site to accept tax - deductible donations to the mural project to work towards the $7 , 500 goal . Donations of any size are welcome and appreciated , and sponsorship levels ranging from $500 to $2 , 500 are available as well . The crowdfunding site can be accessed at
https://www . patronicity . com/project/glastonbury_mural_project/
. If you prefer to give offline by cash or check , please make donations ( with ‘Glastonbury Mural’ in the check memo ) to The RiseUp Group at: The RiseUP Group , Inc . 942 Main Street , Hartford , CT 06103 . The fundraising drive calls upon the collective spirit of Glastonbury ' s residents and businesses to contribute to this transformative community initiative .
The community ' s contributions , both financial and participatory , will culminate in a mural reveal ceremony , set to be a celebratory event of the community’s achievements in the realm of civil rights and ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion .
KEY QUOTES:
“Embracing Glastonbury’s significant history of activism through public art that is accessible to all is both a beautiful and powerful endeavor . I am very proud that our lovely town will soon be part of the MLK39 Mural Movement , ”
stated Gina LaRosa , leader of the Glastonbury MLK39 Mural Project Community Advocate Group .
"Art is a powerful medium for reflection , celebration , and progress . The Town Council ' s support for the MLK39 mural project is a clear signal of our community’s dedication to advancing civil rights and fostering a welcoming and equitable environment , "stated Jen Wang , Vice Chairman of the Town Council and member of the Glastonbury MLK39 Mural Project Community Advocate Group .
Councilor John Cavanna , who is also a member of the MLK39 Mural Project Community Advocate Group , said ,
"I ' m absolutely captivated by history - - especially our town ' s history - - and I ' m excited to introduce residents to folks who lived here prior to them and are historically significant . "
CONTACT:
Gina LaRosa , Leader of the Glastonbury MLK39 Mural Project Community Advocate Group ,
gigirose1105@gmail . com
Matt Conway , Executive Director of The RiseUP Group ,
matt . conway@theriseupgroup . org
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