The City of Hot Springs was the recent recipient of an AARP 2020 Community Challenge grant for the addition of a photo platform to bring an interactive element to the Musical History Mural at 350 Malvern Avenue.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the historic Malvern Avenue corridor,” said Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe. “This is an important part of our community, and we want to help revitalize the energy within this area. Special thanks to AARP for providing the funding source to make this a reality.”
The photo platform will be built to the level of the ground depicted in the mural so individuals can pose among the musicians, essentially becoming a part of history. In addition, tall painted metal musical instrument silhouettes will be installed in the foreground to further incorporate individuals into the scene.
“The mural theme is to celebrate Black Broadway, and we incorporated kids from the Hot Springs High School Band. We wanted to show the rich culture here in Hot Springs with the music that artists from all over the world came and performed. I would like to thank AARP and the City of Hot Springs for investing in our community,” said Anthony Tidwell, founder of Cutwell 4 Kids.
Tidwell and his Cutwell 4 Kids Art Program collaborated with a professional muralist to create this mural, which has quickly become a focal point in the community. The intent of the photo platform project is to provide a catalyst to re-energize and preserve the rich history of this community with area youth.
The Gateway Community is the largest African American National Historic District in Arkansas and has been home to talented African American teachers, doctors, architects, builders, clergymen and singers, entertainers and musicians.
Hot Springs was one of three AARP 2020 Community Challenge grant recipients in Arkansas, and more than 184 nationwide totaling more than $2.4 million. Grantees will implement “quick action” projects to create more livable communities across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. All projects are expected to be completed by Dec. 18, 2020. Find out more at www.aarp.org/communitychallenge.