Cultural Programs

The City of Wilmington, North Carolina, invites professional artists or artist teams to submit proposals for the design, fabrication, and installation of a permanent public artwork that commemorates Wilmington’s significant role in the American Revolution. To download the 'Call for Proposals' overview guide, click here.(PDF, 93KB)

Project Overview:

Wilmington played a critical role in the Revolutionary War, serving as a hub of resistance and patriotism in colonial North Carolina. In celebration of the country’s sesquicentennial anniversary, this public art piece will honor that legacy—recognizing the stories, people, and spirit that helped shape the birth of a nation.

The selected artwork will be installed on public property in downtown Wilmington, a vibrant and historic area that welcomes residents and visitors alike. The artwork should reflect the historical importance of Wilmington’s revolutionary past while creating a meaningful and lasting landmark for the city.

Budget:

The City will award $25,000 to the selected artist or artist team. This is a total, all-inclusive budget that must cover all costs related to design, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and any necessary permits or insurance.

There is a bounty of hidden gems to discover in Wilmington’s urban environment. Topics may include history, architecture, ecology, or culture, just to name a few. Join us for some fresh air and broaden your understanding of Wilmington with programs led by various local experts. Programs are free and are typically 1-2 miles long. Registration required (here). These programs are open to all ages unless otherwise specified.

Urban Birding at Riverfront Park | September 26, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 

Join Halyburton Park staff on an exploration of birds that have adapted to live in urban environments and enjoy views along the award-winning Wilmington Riverwalk. Participants will meet at 10 Cowan Street (Riverfront Park).

History of Baseball in Wilmington's Southside | October 4, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Join amateur baseball historian, Matt Emmerich, on a walk through Wilmington's Southside to site of several former and current baseball fields and learn about local legends, including Sam Bowens. Finish the tour at the newly named Sam Bowens Memorial Field in Robert Strange Park.

We invite veterans to express their stories and emotions through the power of art at the Veterans Creative Arts Program. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your talents, whether through visual arts or other creative talents. Come and share your experiences, connect with fellow veterans, and celebrate the healing power of creativity.

• Register here or call (910) 254-0907 (English) or (910) 341-0056 (Español) for more details

Creating in Community with Cammeron Batanides

In this studio-style class, we will create original works of art with the option to exhibit and/or sell our work during June, which is PTSD awareness month. Participants are invited to explore various mediums, share their work with other creatives in the classroom, and participate in optional class critiques.

Tuesday afternoons: August 12 - December 16 at 1101 Manly Ave. (Davis Center at Maides Park)

About the instructor: Cammeron Batanides is an internationally known fine artist and children’s book author/illustrator whose works have been featured across the United States, in Jamaica and throughout Canada, at the 2013 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and at the legendary Los Angeles Fine Arts Building. She was the first live painter for The Wailers, on the USS North Carolina Battleship, and at Wilmington’s historic Thalian Hall’s inaugural reggae show. Cammeron has recently returned from Washington, D.C, where over 40 of her original works were exhibited adjacent to the Smithsonian at Pepco Edison Place Gallery. Cammeron’s originals were simultaneously displayed in Leland, North Carolina at Leland Cultural Arts Center. 

Families are invited to come together for a creative and fun-filled evening of art-making. Each month features a new theme and activities, providing a welcoming space to explore different art forms, spark imagination, and create lasting memories as a family. This program will operate from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All programs below are available to those ages 4+. Register here! 

Davis Center at Maides Park - 1101 Manly Ave (910-341-0056/910-341-7867)

MLK Community Center - 401 S. 8th Street (910-341-7866/910-341-0053)

September 18, 2025 at the Davis Center (Maides Park) - VCAP Family Art Night | Family Heritage

• Ms. Yosha Martinez and Ms. Cammeron Batanides invite families to bring family photos and keepsakes to create collages that celebrate their family heritage.

  ---

October 15, 2025 at the Davis Center (Maides Park) - VCAP Family Art Night | The Traveling Coin: Let's Create Characters!

• Join Kevin Kirk, Navy Veteran, in exploring the characters in his story about spreading kindness titled, "The Traveling Coin". Create some characters of your own and maybe they will be featured in the final book!

  ---

November 12, 2025 at the MLK Community Center - VCAP Family Art Night | Fun and Vibrant Holiday Food Displays

• Delight your family this holiday season with festive food arrangements that anyone can make and enjoy. Chef McCoy, a U.S. Army Veteran, will guide us in crafting colorful, eye-catching displays. Children will participate using safe, kid-friendly tools. Take home and enjoy the "fruits" of our labor!

  ---

December 10, 2025 at the Davis Center (Maides Park) - VCAP Family Art Night | Watercolor Holiday Greeting Cards

• Get festive and creative with US Marine Corps Veteran Kristen Dorsey as we design bright, cheerful holiday greeting cards! You’ll pick up a skill you can enjoy — and share — all year long.

  ---

Join us in bringing color and creativity to the basketball court by helping paint a community mural! Participants can register for 30-minute time slots (with up to 10 people per slot) and may sign up for multiple sessions. To register for a slot, or slots, click here.

The mural painting will take place during the Fall Fest at Maides Park on Friday, October 10 from 5 – 8 PM and continue on Saturday, October 11 from 11 AM – 5 PM.