On June 23rd, 2010 a renaissance took place within the City of Dallas. A group of industrial business owners convinced the city council that shutting down their family businesses, industries that had been operating here for generations, would be a step backwards for the City. Given the state of the economy, the last thing the city needed was to lose the jobs, taxes and services we industries have provided for so many generations, and replace it with non-owner operated vacancies until developers were ready to fill the void.

Okon Metals Orr Reed Wrecking Company

We argued that the Cedars West could thrive not despite the industry, but because of it. As owners of the land, with the most skin in the game, the local businesses decided to roll up our sleeves, get the local artists involved, and improve the area starting with our own properties.

Industrial Electric Nineteen-Nineteen

According to the council, the city needs a "funky" neighborhood that will attract people from all walks of life until the economy is right for developers to redevelop.

Okon Metals Concept Industrial Electric Concept

So what does this mean to you, the artists?

We are multi-generational business owners who know how to manufacture and operate businesses. We need the creative juices from the art community to help us economically transform the exterior of our businesses into a new fresh and funky look with the use of murals, sculptures, landscaping, etc. The idea is to utilize creativity to get images and objects native to each business that make it easier and less expensive to obtain. Please see the pictures from the power point presentation we presented at (web address for DMN).

Orr Reed Wrecking Concept Nineteen-Nineteen Concept

Subject area:Cedars West Consists of Riverfront Blvd starting at Cadiz Street on the North, the Dart Railroad tracks on the South, Union Pacific rail on the East, and the Trinity River levee on the West.

Map of the Area

When:Entries will be accepted for each phase uintil August 1st.

  1. Art Contest:

    The winning artist should capture the inter beauty of the Cedars West neighborhood, to some that may be the Trinity River and nature, and to others it could be the jobs, taxes, and other benefits that the local business' provide, or perhaps the two are not mutually exclusive.

    The art contest will consist of 4 categories with prizes as follows: 1st place ($500), 2nd place ($250), 3rd place ($100). In addition, there will be special recognition of each of the winning categories during the Cedars West Art Banquet.

    1. Photography
    2. Sculptures
    3. Painting
    4. Drawing

    Legal Conditions:By entering, participants warrant that his or her entry materials are original and do not infringe on any third party's rights. By entering, participants release and hold harmless the Cedars West Now Committee, sponsors or interagency partners from any liability.

    If a recognizable person is in the photograph, a model release must be submitted with the entry and liability is limited to the value of prizes.

    All decisions by the Cedars West Now committee will be final and binding.

  2. Creative Exterior Improvement Project:

    Muralists, sculptors, and landscape architects, plus any other creative souls are invited to help with the actual metamorphosis from what each business currently looks like now, to the new look we envision. From concept to completion, we have about 12 months. The businesses that succeed stay in business. This means we are starting now.

    Rock Island Portal Concept

    This is a rare opportunity for local artists to participate in a very high profile project that will be a centerpiece for a major entrance to the Trinity parks. This is what we are looking for:

    • Murals to paint on the businesses (relevant to the particular business/ Trinity River
    • Sculptures for the businesses
    • Xeriscaping (native low maintenance landscaping)
    • Keynote sculpture to represent the Cedars West Entrance to the Trinity Park. This sculpture should at the same time celebrate Industry, Cedars West, and the Trinity River.

    The sculpture should be a large and proud statement that represents the historical and current attributes to the area, be it environmental or industrial themed. This is intended to be the welcoming landmark to let people know they are entering the historic Cedars West Industrial District.

    Many of these businesses manufacture, recycle, and/ or refurbish. We want you, the artist, to look at the exteriors of each of these businesses, combine what you know about the exterior with what you know about the business itself, and submit a plan for one or all of the above items that are needed for any of the businesses involved. We will also need the artists to carry out these ideas once they are accepted so please include with your entries credentials as well as contact info if interested in doing the actual work. If chosen, the artist will be given the necessary supplies to do the work, special recognition at the Cedars West art banquet, plus a prize to be determined.

  3. Cedars West Art Appreciation Banquet

    The Cedars West Art banquet will be at a time and location to be determined

Click Here to Download an Entry Form

What kind of artist are you? Please check all that apply.

Where did you hear about the art project?

Disclaimer: By entering, participants warrant that his or her entry materials are original and do not infringe on any third party's rights. By entering, participants release and hold harmless the Cedars West Now Committee, sponsors or interagency partners from any liability. If a recognizable person is in the photograph, a model release must be submitted with the entry and liability is limited to the value of prizes. All decisions by the Cedars West Now committee will be final and binding. If you are chosen and can do actual work please be prepared to submit credentials upon request.