Journey & Leisure journal names Hattiesburg a ‘must-see’

Travel & Leisure Journal recently stated Hattiesburg, MS as just one of the “must-see pieces of public art close to the earth.” The report, published by journey writer Patricia Doherty, incorporated 11 global areas acknowledged for their prolific commitment to community artwork. The alternatives had been centered, in section, on a review of “Arty Areas” by the London-dependent corporation Dollars (little bit.ly/3zoYFcx) and on social media existence. 

“Street art has develop into prevalent all around the earth, encouraged with festivals and in quite a few locations, promoted by nearby governments,” Doherty writes. 

Hattiesburg is a person these kinds of town that has benefited from nearby government’s assistance of general public artwork. Mayor Toby Barker explained that public artwork promotes equally regional economic progress and social connection, specifically during the pandemic when several indoor venues experienced to shut down. In 2021, he even went as considerably as placing the goal to make Hattiesburg the “City of 100 Murals.” 

“To be 1 of 4 metropolitan areas in North The us included on a listing that speaks about public art in areas like New York Metropolis, Paris and Berlin is just a single case in point of the talent and creativeness that exists suitable in this article in Hattiesburg,” Barker reported. “Public Artwork is a soaring star in our community, thanks to numerous who have gone ahead of us and the Hattiesburg Alliance for Community Art’s regular management. We look forward to continuing our trajectory as a premier arts desired destination.”

With more than 40 community artwork installations, Hattiesburg has a wide variety of offerings for men and women of all ages and interests – from murals and sculptures to painted utility bins and seasonal pop-up artwork that deal with matters like songs, civil legal rights, sports activities and the city’s history of rock & roll.  

“Hattiesburg is committed to building art obtainable to all its citizens,” Doherty writes. 

In 2021, the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art, which oversees public artwork tasks for the town, finished 4 murals, 22 utility packing containers, a pop-up artwork screen and been given a $11,000 Mississippi Arts Commission COVID Relief grant. 

“HAPA is exceptionally fortunate to function with group partners and nationwide and neighborhood artists to convey modern, creative and varied imagery to the city’s general public areas,” claimed Kristen Brock, Director of Programs and Promotions for VisitHATTIESBURG and Hattiesburg Alliance for Community Art. 

In 2022, HAPA’s initial two projects will be the Jan. 10 unveiling of a new mural at Duncan Lake referred to as “Duck, Duck, Goose” and section three of the HBURG Utility Box collection (artist applications due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 19 at web site: bit.ly/3G03YSe). Additional information and facts on impending events and projects is available at hburgart.com.