Seeking Hampton Roads artists: NEON FESTIVAL STREET ART BATTLE CALL TO ARTISTS

Our recent call to artists resulted in commissioning (3) local artists/artist teams who will be creating temporary projects within the community in 2022 and beyond.

1) Poetry Jackson and Jennifer Hand will be continuing their Street Art Battle series during the NEON Festival on October 21st in collaboration with Norfolk Arts and the Norfolk Police Department. Hampton Roads artists will be selected to demonstrate the transformational power of art through a live paint performance in an effort to bring awareness and help break the cycles of gun violence. Participating artists will receive a $50 stipend with additional prize awards totaling over $500. This community celebration is designed to elevate and inspire engagement with the arts in Norfolk and beyond. The battle and the NEON Festival are family friendly, bringing people together across racial, class, and political lines to revel in the fascination of the painting process and the power of art.
NOTE: Please follow the above link for details. Changes may be made by the organizers of the Street Art Battle at any time. Be sure to connect with them for updates re: weather cancellations, etc.

2) Tanya Shadley will be engaging with the community through a puppetry performance that will allow participants to make their own hand puppets while listening to the reading of a children’s book that emphasizes the topic of inclusion for all, especially within the differently abled community. Using puppets as an artistic representation, Tanya will begin an open, healthy discussion about the things that make us different, unique and one of a kind.

3) Jeannine Harkleroad will be working with her Granby Norfolk Public High School class to build a traveling “Listening Stage”. Two seats will be at the center titled: I’ve Been Meaning to Ask you and I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You. Participants will ask or tell something to their partner in a private conversation while seated as if whispering during a movie or performance. We will encourage the sharing of photos and experiences via social media with a designated hashtag.