Downtown intersection to receive artist’s makeover with safety in mind

A busy downtown intersection will be getting a lot more colorful soon in an effort to promote safety.

The Sioux Falls Downtown Residents’ Association received a $16,000 neighborhood improvement grant from the city to coordinate the project at 11th Street and Phillips Avenue.

“Given the volume of community concern about speeding and pedestrian safety at 11th and Phillips, we decided to start there,” said Kadyn Wittman, who has lived downtown for more than a decade and is co-leading the association’s effort with Joe Kirby, who also lives in the area.

“It’s become a real focal point for neighbors and visitors,” she said.

White crosswalks will be maintained for ADA-related accessibility, but a call for artists is looking for someone or a group of people to paint a piece on the outside of the lines.

The idea began with the hope of doing a similar makeover at 12th Street and Main Avenue in front of the Washington Pavilion.

That’s still the hope, potentially as part of a partnership with the Washington Pavilion, Wittman said.

The idea is to create “a traffic-slowing measure and pedestrian-safety effort,” she said.

“We want to be really cognizant we’re following best practices for ADA guidelines and make sure this is making life better for residents.”

Artists have until Aug. 12 to apply and will be selected by Aug. 21.

The hope is to begin painting in October.

Artists are encouraged to reflect one or more of the following themes:

• Sioux Falls community, culture or history.
• Joy, movement and belonging.
• Nature or prairie themes.
• Bold, playful and inclusive visuals.

“Our hope is this is something the Downtown Association can do year after year,” Wittman said. “The materials we’re using are meant for longevity to be vibrant and resistant to wear for 15 years, so my hope is we can create a great relationship with the city and apply for this grant every year and every year do different crosswalks for artists. We’re trying to do everything with best practices.”

For details on the call for art, download the document here.

To submit your application, visit here.