idlewild public art project | raleigh, nc
Artspace, in partnership with Raleigh Area Land Trust (RALT), Raleigh Raised Development, Haven DesignBuild, and members of the Idlewild Neighborhood Art Committee, invites artists to submit proposals for a public art installation in the Idlewild neighborhood of Raleigh, North Carolina. This project is funded with support from the Jandy Ammons Foundation.
This project builds on the 2025 Idlewild Community Engagement process and is part of the Cottages of Idlewild, an affordable housing development rooted in African American homeownership, family histories, and community legacy.
The selected artist will create a site-responsive public artwork that reflects themes identified by the community, including:
Family and intergenerational connection
African American homeownership
Black history and cultural legacy
Community resilience and belonging
This project centers creative placemaking and honors Idlewild as a historically Black neighborhood with deep social, cultural, and civic roots.
The Cottages of Idlewild offers a range of affordable homeownership and rental opportunities for individuals and families at 30-80% AMI. This project was made possible through a unique public-private partnership that was formed to maximize success and ensure that community interests are prioritized and protected beyond what any single organization could do alone.
Project Scope
The selected artist will be responsible for:
Developing a public art concept rooted in community-derived themes
Engaging with Idlewild residents and stakeholders through interviews, meetings, or engagement activities
Designing, fabricating, and installing a permanent artwork
Coordinating with Artspace, RALT, and the site team throughout the project
Artspace will support the artist with project management, coordination, documentation, promotion, and community engagement logistics.
Project Timeline
May–November 2026: Community engagement, design, and installation
Installation timeline and exact site details will be confirmed with development partners, yet at this time the project should be completed by end of November 2026.