Mulberry approves MOU to apply for state matching funds for downtown mural; community group has raised part of match

The Town Council approved a memorandum of understanding enabling the Mulberry Community Club to use the town as the official applicant for a state matching grant to fund a downtown mural and related public art.

Lewis introduced Joyce from the Mulberry Community Club, who outlined the project and fundraising progress. “Mulberry Community Club has already raised $5,600,” Joyce said, and she described an additional $4,000 in pledges and in‑kind support the club expects to secure. The state program will match local fundraising up to $50,000 for projects that add public value.

Under the MOU the town will act as the grantee and administer the grant; the Mulberry Community Club will manage the artist and painting. The agreement specifies the club will provide the town a sample of the mural for review and the town will ensure grant administration and compliance. Council members praised the project as a community booster, and the council voted to approve the MOU and authorize staff to coordinate signature and application steps.

Joyce said the art federation will paint a large mural and that community volunteers and youth groups (including the Girl Scouts) will be invited to participate in lower portions and priming work. The painting is expected to happen in August or early September, and organizers plan community events, food trucks and a small mural scavenger hunt to draw visitors.

Councilors directed staff to post donation and participation details and to coordinate road closures and safety measures while the mural work is in progress.