Community Center Mural Project

Description of Project

Rockhurst University seeks a professional visual artist to design and create a mural for the exterior of the Rockhurst University Community Center located at 5401 Troost Avenue. The chosen design would capture the spirit the University, including its Jesuit heritage, and the neighborhood in which it is located.

The winning muralist will be awarded a $5,000 stipend.

About Rockhurst University

In the heart of Kansas City since 1910, Rockhurst University is dedicated to learning, leadership and service in the Jesuit tradition, and is a welcoming home to more than 3,000 students. Through supportive Jesuit education, Rockhurst puts leadership in action by challenging students to push themselves, care with and for others, and impact our world for the common good. As members of our close-knit community, students transform into lifelong learners who engage with the complexities of our world and serve others as compassionate, thoughtful leaders. Our 55-acre campus is located in the 49/63 neighborhood, between Troost Avenue and Paseo Boulevard, and 51^st and 55^th streets.

Rockhurst’s Vision: We aim to create a more just world through inclusive, innovative and transformative education.

About the 49/63 Neighborhood

Founded in 1971, the 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition is the oldest, continuously active neighborhood association in the Kansas City metropolitan area and enjoys a positive reputation among area community leaders. The 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition consists of approximately 3,000 households and 8,000 residents. 49/63 is the only neighborhood group in Kansas City to include residential areas on both sides of Troost Avenue, the historic racial dividing line which has existed for more than a century. Since its beginning, 49/63 has fought this psychological barrier and promoted diversity and inclusiveness. The Coalition just celebrated its 50^th anniversary.

Spirit of the Project

We are seeking a colorful, vibrant, large-scale, creative mural that:

• Inspires others to reflect upon our core values, which include cura personalis (care for the whole person), magis (more), contemplation in action, reflection and discernment, wisdom, and finding God in all things.
• Encourages others to act for the greater social good.
• Reflects or captures aspects of our community and neighborhood, Jesuit heritage and spirit of the University, through representational or abstract imagery.
• Includes acknowledgment of the history and existence of the diverse peoples and communities who live and work and enjoy companionship in our geographic area.

Scope of project

  Design artwork for mural and paint mural on existing Community Center south exterior wall.

Project timeline

The artist must be available to work on and complete the project during March - May 2022.