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EDA approves $15,000 for Wall Street Mural Festival after presentation from Portsmouth Public Art
Summary
After a presentation from Portsmouth Public Art, the Economic Development Authority voted 6–0 to allocate $15,000 from its quarterly community grant to support the Wall Street Mural Festival. Organizers described expanded programming, a larger artist stipend pool and requests for city support on closures, lighting and street surface work.
The Portsmouth Economic Development Authority voted 6–0 to allocate $15,000 from its quarterly community grant to Support Portsmouth Public Art’s Wall Street Mural Festival, following a presentation from organizers on Feb. 18.
Organizers said the festival, first held last year, drew about 1,800 people and organizers are planning a larger event this year with more artists, expanded attractions and bigger prize money. “We’re looking to double it this year,” said Matt Diggs, the festival co-organizer. He said plans include an expanded pop-up skate park, larger prize money for competitions and judges brought from out of state.
John Joyce, speaking for Support Portsmouth Public Art, described the event’s artist outreach and the mural program’s growth. “We had 49 applicants last year,” Joyce said, and organizers have since recruited artists from across the country and internationally. Joyce said the festival increased the number of murals in the Wall Street block to about 30 and that murals have drawn local photographers, vintage car groups and visitors from neighboring cities.
Organizers described new program elements planned for this year: break-dancing competitions, a fashion show, spoken-word performances, a children’s DoodleFest and a modular pop-up skate facility supplied by a company called FreshPark. They said some artists will receive larger stipends (organizers raised the artist stipend pool and prize money, and increased their event budget from about $20,000 last year to about $30,000 this year).
Organizers asked for city support on operational details. They said they will obtain permits for street use and closures but requested help with street surface work where skating will occur, temporary bleachers for viewing break-dance competitions, and string/solar lighting in the alleyway for nighttime visibility and safety.
The EDA motion to allocate $15,000 was added to the agenda, moved and seconded during the meeting and approved in a 6–0 roll call: Vice Chairman Barber, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Brown, Mrs. Cherry, Mr. James and Mr. Hartman voted yes. Minutes reflect the allocation will come from the quarterly community grant and that organizers will proceed with permitting and event planning.
Organizers said the festival seeks additional sponsors and in-kind support to keep the event free to the public while covering artist travel and stipends. They said the festival ties into the city’s Innovation District goals of arts, makers and creative economy development.
The EDA did not attach conditions to the funding in the public record; staff noted permit and logistical approvals are still required before full street closures or city-run services take place.
Organizers asked commissioners to publicize the festival to downtown businesses and to consider partnership opportunities, such as merchant discounts or after-event promotions to help restaurants and retailers capture the increased foot traffic.
The EDA’s funding decision follows a closed-session discussion earlier in the meeting in which the Board considered requests for assistance and investment of public funds related to small-business finance and public art support.
Looking ahead, organizers said the artist call was open through the coming Friday and that confirmed details, vendor applications and a finalized map for the festival would be posted as they are completed.
