The Mural Project presented by Athene was a giant interactive art experience where Festival guests contributed to the creation of two large murals over the three days of the Festival. The 2024 Mural Project was in collaboration with ArtForce Iowa and youth in Des Moines Public Schools, and the Latinos in Action programs at East High School and Roosevelt High School. In 2024, the project produced two murals, “Day” and “Night”, collectively called Together We Flourish. These original artworks created by Emma Parker show flowers representing the heritage and ethnicity of the aforementioned schools, along with the youth-centered values reflecting hope, unity, inclusivity, and place.

 

Guests who entered the art activity area each received one small square image of the original painting, a blank panel, and the opportunity to transfer their interpretation of the small square onto a larger piece. When finished, the panels were affixed into a billboard-sized frame, piece by piece.

 

Following the Festival, the murals were permanently installed at East High School and Roosevelt High School, forever symbolizing the connection of youth between the two schools.