Be The Change Foundation announces Philipsburg mural project
Be The Change Foundation (BTC) is looking for artists residing on Sint Maarten & Saint Martin who would like to be part of their ‘Color Me SXM – Philipsburg Art Walk’ mural project.
The idea is simple: create 10 photo-friendly murals to beautify Philipsburg and showcase the islands’ artists. The project, written by Laura Bijnsdorp, who will also be executing the project, is inspired by the artwork found in various districts of Curacao. The project also includes the distribution of a self-guided map, videos, dedicated Instagram account, and a webpage to further market the creative talent on the island – and encourage everyone to explore Philipsburg.
“We hope that this project brings a bit of positive news to our island while we are facing this health crisis. Thanks to our sponsors, partners, and participating artists we aim to bring some uplifting colors to Philipsburg.” says Melanie Choisy, President of BTC Foundation.
The Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunications (TEATT), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports (MECYS), and the Prins Bernhard Cultuur Fonds (PBCF) are the main sponsors – and will be supporting BTC throughout the execution of the project. Sherwin Williams has also committed their expertise and resources to help complete the murals.
“I was excited to hear about this mural project. Hand-painted murals have experienced a revival in recent years and are shared globally via social media in recognition of the artists' vibrant colors or statements. I would love to see this project celebrate and incorporate our local legends and heroes while reflecting the interpretation of Caribbean island life through the artists' eyes. The finished work will surely be an inspiration to all,” said Honourable Ms. Ludmila de Weever, Minister of TEATT.
“As Minister of MECYS, I am proud to announce MECYS as a co-sponsor (through the Department of Culture) of this project that highlights our Sint Maarten expressive culture and art and helps to protect and honor our Sint Maarten heritage.
At the same time, this project puts emphasis on the pivotal role of the artist and the creative industry in the evolution of our tourism product, economy, and society. As such, this project is the almost perfect expression of our desire for sustainable development of Sint Maarten, for Sint Maarten, and by Sint Maarten. I wish the Be The Change Foundation, Melanie Choisy and Laura Bijnsdorp, much success in carrying out this project and look forward to do the Philipsburg Art Walk,” commented Drs. Rodolphe Samuel, Minister of MECYS.
BTC would also like to thank all property owners in Philipsburg who have committed walls to the project thus far. Although a number of walls have been identified for the project, the foundation is open to suggestions by property owners who have a wall that they deem fit for a mural.
Artist Information
Artists (all ages) who would like to participate in this project are requested to send their design or sketch for the mural and a short bio about themselves to bethechangesxm@gmail.com before Monday, June 1, 2020. Artists will be informed if their design is selected by June 5, 2020.
All artists will receive $600 in payment for the making of the mural. In addition, the material costs such as paint, brushes, etc, will be covered. BTC would also appreciate an estimate of costs (budget) alongside your mural-design.
Artists residing locally or with strong ties to Sint Maarten, will have preference in the selection process. The selected artists will be expected to complete their murals by June 30, 2020 (subject to change depending on current COVID-19 restrictions).
Mural design requirements:
- Must be ‘Instagram/photo’ friendly.
- Get as creative as you’d like! Think outside the box.
- There will be 4 spots ‘reserved’ for historically and/or culturally relevant (to Sint Maarten) murals.
- Final murals must be at least 2m x 3m large.
- Artists will be asked to make adjustments to their design according to the wall they are assigned to, as the walls differ in length and width.
- BTC Foundation will select the placement (on a wall) of the mural.
- Mural must be treated with a protective coating by artist (provided by BTC).
- Must be able to complete the mural between June 5 and June 30, 2020.
Choisy: “I hope that artists will take this opportunity to be inspired by the initiative and help us spread a message of hope, art, and culture, especially during this difficult time.”
For more information or those interested in collaborating on this project email bethechangesxm@gmail.com or go to www.facebook.com/bethechangesxm
