The Casa Grande Arts & Culture Commission has announced its latest community engagement, the 2024 Color on Concrete Art Project. As reported by their official site, the project's primary goal is to jazz up the city's vista, beginning with the concrete barriers at the intersection of Trekell Road and Rodeo Road. It's a full-scale transformative initiative aiming to turn nondescript barriers into full-blown art installations.

These concrete walls are the urban equivalent of a blank stare. So it's about time they got a glow-up. The Commission is rolling out the red carpet for artists to submit proposals that encapsulate the essence of Casa Grande—the heritage, the community's pulse, the local color and vibes. For those ready to wield their brushes and vision, there's a two-part stipend of $2,000 up for grabs: half to kickstart their masterpiece and the other half when they cross the finish line, according to the Casa Grande Arts & Culture Commission.

Prospective Picassos and Kahlos should mark September 25 on their calendars—that's the deadline for proposal submissions. But this isn't just a "draw and run" sort of deal. The selected artwork is expected to bridge aesthetics with community values—no small feat but well within the right artist's wheelhouse. Details on the application can be snagged by visiting the project's web page, emailing [email protected], or taking a trip down to City Hall.

For the artsy set who are looking to leave a lasting impression on the urban landscape? This project offers more than just a paycheck. It's a chance to embed their art in the daily commute and life of Casa Grande residents.