06 Mar UPLIFT Mural Call for Friedman Branch Library
Project Overview
The community-centered mural project titled UPLIFT is designed specifically for installation in the Children’s Area of the Friedman Branch Public Library in Richmond County, Georgia. The mural will celebrate the power of creativity, literacy, and imagination, and its ability to uplift young readers. The mural will be created using Arts Council “scraps” from previous projects including six (6) 2’x4’ MDF boards that will be painted separately by six (6) volunteer artists utilizing donated/left over paints and materials. When assembled, this mural will form a cohesive visual statement. By utilizing donated/left over project materials, the project emphasizes sustainability and mindful spending in times where budget cuts are commonplace
Project Origins
In 2026, The Greater Augusta Arts Council, along with all of Augusta, Georgia’s nonprofit organizations who were supported through the city, experienced significant budget cuts to their annual funding. As a result, many of Augusta’s community driven groups have had to discover new ways to continue fulfilling their missions all with less financial support. One such organization is the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library, a longtime collaborator with the Arts Council. With leftover supplies from previous projects and a shared commitment to inspiring young people to value and support the arts, the Arts Council and the Public Library have partnered to create a volunteer opportunity for six (6) local artists ages 16 and up to create a piece of public art that will continue to uplift and support aspiring young people for many years. Taking the “scraps” both literally, and metaphorically, and creating something beautiful with them.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY!
Concept & Theme
UPLIFT serves as both the visual and conceptual anchor of the mural. The word will be prominently featured across the six panels, encouraging young patrons to reflect on how art uplifts, sparks imagination, dialogue, and positive change. The imagery surrounding the text will be vibrant, dynamic, and playful, designed to captivate children while allowing for personal interpretation. Themes of all forms of art, especially literary, are encouraged. Each artist will be assigned a letter to incorporate into their individual design.
The mural communicates that the arts are an active player in uplifting communities. This mural will become something that we collectively pass forward, and it invites children to explore their own creativity within a supportive library environment.
Materials & Sustainability
• Six (6) MDF boards (uniformly sized), serving as modular panels
• Donated/left over paint and installation materials, reducing project costs and encouraging community contribution
By working with donated and up-cycled supplies, this project models responsible resource use and highlights how impactful public art can be achieved through collaboration and resourcefulness.
Each artist will receive a limited color pallet, at random, to insure the work has a flow of colors throughout all 6 panels.
Design & Layout
Each MDF board will function as an individual panel while contributing to the overall composition. When installed together, the panels will collectively spell UPLIFT. This modular approach allows for flexibility in installation and reinforces the idea that individual pieces, like individual people, are strongest when united.
Community Impact
The UPLIFT mural is intended to be highly visible and approachable within the Children’s Area, offering young patrons a welcoming and stimulating visual experience. In a time when arts funding is being reduced nationwide, this project highlights the resourcefulness of the arts, demonstrating how creativity can thrive through adaptability.
By relying on collaboration rather than large-scale funding, the mural serves as a model for how communities can continue to support meaningful cultural expression even during periods of financial constraint. The project underscores that art remains essential in times of need, providing hope, reflection, and connection.
The mural will:
• Activate the Children’s Area through bold, positive, and playful visual language
• Reinforce the value of art as a tool for connection, resilience, and motivation
• Demonstrate how donated resources and creative collaboration can result in meaningful cultural assets
• Inspire future generations by showing that impactful art is possible through shared commitment and cooperation
Installation
Once completed, the six MDF panels will be installed by Library staff, side by side within the Children’s Area of the Friedman Branch Public Library. The wall space selected for this project is a blank, cinderblock wall. The modular nature of the panels allows for flexibility in placement and future maintenance. Installation requirements are minimal due to the construction of MDF, but will require some drilling, anchors and screws. This mural well-suited for an indoor library environment.
Conclusion
UPLIFT is a cost-effective, sustainable, and impactful mural project that uses simple materials to deliver a powerful message to children and families. This mural will serve as a lasting reminder of art’s ability to uplift communities, inspire creativity and drive lifelong learning.
Eligibility
Artists who reside in Augusta’s River Region (the CSRA) who are 16 years-of-age or older. Georgia Counties: Richmond, Columbia, Burke, Jenkins, Lincoln, Wilkes, McDuffie, Jefferson, Taliaferro, Warren, Glascock, Hancock and Washington.
South Carolina Counties: Aiken, Edgefield, Allendale, Barnwell and McCormick.
How to Submit
Artists aged 16 and up who are proven residents of Augusta’s River Region (the CSRA) are encouraged to submit their resumes/CVs along with samples of their work and/or proposed designs through the form linked below. The Public Art Advisory Panel, along with Library staff, will then jury the submissions. The Arts Council will notify the top picks and coordinate supply pick up.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY!
Contact Gallery & Public Art Director Heather Dunaway at the Arts Council at 706-826-4702 or email heather@augustaarts.com with any questions you might have.