ROANOKE, Va. (May 8, 2024) – Calling all artists and visionaries! Melrose Plaza is looking
for artist submissions for a vibrant community mural that celebrates our diverse and
thriving hub.
Located at the heart of the Northwest Roanoke community, Melrose Plaza will be a
cornerstone offering affordable food, essential family health services, educational
advancement, career opportunities, financial services, and an array of other vital
resources.
The mural, which will wrap around two sides of the Melrose Plaza building on Melrose
Avenue and 24th Street, will have an estimated total mural space of 1,758 sq. ft., making it
a can’t-miss focal point for the neighborhood.
We want this mural to honor the history of Northwest Roanoke while celebrating a big
step forward in revitalization through Melrose Plaza,” says Zenith Barrett, Vice President of
Advancement, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. “The selected mural will reflect the spirit
of unity, diversity, and empowerment that defines our community.”
Melrose Plaza and Goodwill Industries of the Valleys invites artists of all backgrounds and
styles to submit proposals for a mural that captures the essence of the new cultural
community center as a welcoming space where individuals and families can access
essential services and opportunities to thrive.
The pillars of services offered at Melrose Plaza will include Market on Melrose, the first fullservice grocery store to operate in Northwest Roanoke in decades; Bank of Botetourt, a
banking branch to bring financial wellness and empowerment; Wellness on Melrose, a
wellness center that will offer convenient access to healthcare services; and The Excel
Center®, an adult high school that allows students to earn a high school diploma. In
addition to these services, Melrose Plaza will be home to celebrations and exhibits that
explore the history and culture of the local area.
One of the inspirational symbols for the Melrose Plaza logo is the Sankofa bird, derived
from an African proverb that translates to “It is not wrong to go back for that which you
have forgotten.” This is the foundational principle of Melrose Plaza as it seeks to restore
greatness in Northwest Roanoke.
Submissions must be received by June 28, 2024, to be considered. The project will be
awarded in August. Artists will be able to start working on the mural no earlier than
September 3, with completion before October 31.
To submit a proposal for the community mural at Melrose Plaza, please
visit: https://roanokearts.org/melrose-plaza/
For specific questions about the application process,
contact Douglas.Jackson@roanokeva.gov or 540.853.5652.
For more information about Melrose Plaza, additional site details, or to arrange to visit,
please contact ddavis@goodwillvalleys.com or 540.915.8240.
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