Dix Park Conservancy Launches Major Arts Initiative
June 21 2024 - 10:39AM
The Dix Park Conservancy (DPC) today announced a major
privately-funded initiative focused on developing and showcasing
international-caliber art projects across the park’s 308-acre
grounds. The initiative will include both local and globally known
talents as well as innovative collaborations with the City of
Raleigh and other organizations that have made the region a widely
acclaimed arts destination.
“At Dix Park Conservancy, we are committed to building and
celebrating community, and nothing does that quite like the joy of
experiencing art together,” said DPC CEO Janet Cowell. “We look
forward to collaborating with artists and arts organizations of all
kinds to add to our region’s impressive arts portfolio and to
maximize the potential of our unique space. Dix Park believes in
art for everyone.” Projects on the horizon include:
- Thomas Dambo trolls – DPC
will feature two troll sculptures by internationally renowned
artist Thomas Dambo. Considered the world’s leading recycle artist,
Dambo’s trolls are made of reclaimed wood and have attracted a
following around the globe. At Dix Park, Dambo will work with a
team including local carpenters and volunteers to build and install
the two trolls (one large and one small) in October
2025.
- Poetry project with NC Poet
Laureate: DPC is developing a public poetry project with Jaki
Shelton Green, the first African American and third woman to be
named as NC Poet Laureate.
- Artist Studio in Residence
– DPC will partner with the Office of Raleigh Arts to develop an
Artist in Residence Program based in one of the park’s renovated
historic buildings. The program will be geared for artists who live
or work in North Carolina; especially those interested in
environmental art, land art, environmental stewardship, and working
in natural materials. It’s slated to launch later in
2024.
Marking the announcement is the public opening of “Attun”, a
major installation by visiting sculptor DeWitt Godfrey. Composed of
80 steel cylinders, “Attun” stands 18 feet tall and about 150 feet
long. “I am moved that my work will be part of this special,
reimagined space for the diverse communities of Raleigh,” Godfrey
said.
Additional upcoming art installations include sculptures from
Lamar Whidbee, Mark Reigelman II, and a poem from Johnny Lee
Chapman for the Gipson Play Plaza. The Conservancy is also in talks
with the Raleigh Fine Arts Society for a future sculpture. Each
piece will be uniquely suited to enhance the natural landscape and
history of Dix Park. More details on these and other exciting
projects will follow in the coming weeks and months. “Art
for Everyone” DPC will develop and present an array of
ambitious artistic experiences, from large-scale installations to
intimate events, designed to enhance the park as a welcoming and
stimulating gathering place for people and ideas. The work aligns
with the Dix Park Master Plan, approved in 2019, which includes
“arts and culture” as one of six programming “themes”. The park is
situated on lush rolling hills overlooking bustling downtown
Raleigh. The land previously hosted a plantation, a Civil War
encampment and a pioneering mental health hospital. The setting and
history make it a particularly interesting place to develop and
display art.
Art projects already existing or in progress at the park include
the Sunflower Power Poles, a creative infrastructure collaboration
between North Carolina artist Thomas Sayre and Duke Energy, and
murals by Christopher Holt and Spclsigns. Previous art
installations included Jorge Marín’s traveling exhibition, Wings of
the City in 2021 and 2022, and Light the Woods with Sound in
2018.
“We envision art at Dix Park as diverse, imaginative,
enlightening and collaborative,” says Marjorie Hodges, chair of the
Dix Park Conservancy Art Task Force. “We whole-heartedly support
the City of Raleigh’s effort to leverage the power of art and we
are already partnering with other organizations in our region’s
robust arts ecosystem.”
“Smithsonian of the South” Often called the “Smithsonian
of the South,” Raleigh is home to a dynamic arts community. The
arts initiative at Dix Park will expand the palette of that
community, prioritizing partnerships and connection.
Over the last two years, DPC has partnered with Artsplosure and
others to develop the acclaimed “Raleigh’s smallest park” mural and
installation (at the corner of West and Hillsborough) as well as a
wayfinding mural along the Rocky Branch Greenway Tunnel. As 2023
ticked into 2024, DPC’s Janet Cowell and Nick Neptune joined
Artsplosure as Honorary Chairs of WRAL’s First Night Raleigh
celebration.
“We love Raleigh and all its burgeoning creativity. Now we see
Dix Park coming online as a hub and catalyst for ambitious arts
projects, and are thrilled to be a part of it. This is going to be
great for everyone from all over the city - we couldn’t be more
excited,” says Cameron Laws, Artsplosure’s creative director.
About Dix Park Conservancy The City of Raleigh owns
and operates Dorothea Dix Park. Dix Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit that exists to support the City in its efforts, serve as
its philanthropic and community engagement partner, and ensure the
creation and long-term success of Dorothea Dix Park as a place for
everyone – a transformative public space for community, health, and
celebration that will enrich our quality of life in North
Carolina. ###
Renee Harvey
rharvey@rlfcommunications.com
336-553-1732