This project engaged residents of the International District to design and create avenue banners for installation along Route 66/Central Avenue in the heart of neighborhood. 

 

The banners reflect the people and place of New Mexico’s most ethnically diverse legislative district.  Avenue ID is one of several community-led development projects that emerged from the Stories of Route 66 arts engagement project. ​

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From August 2015 to January 2016 an artist team worked with district residents, schools and partner organizations to gather writing and art from district residents that communicate their stories and dreams for the neighborhood.  The team used these writings, drawings and/or photographs as inspiration for designing the avenue banners.

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From August 2015 to January 2016 an artist team worked with district residents, schools and partner organizations to gather writing and art from district residents that communicate their stories and dreams for the neighborhood.  The team used these writings, drawings and/or photographs as inspiration for designing the avenue banners.

 

In December of 2015, as part of this effort, residents of the International District were invited to submit writing and art in January, 2016.  Three drawings from eligible submissions resulted in cash prizes of $200, $100 and $50. Submissions have served as additional inspiration for the avenue banners.

 

Leading the artist/community team was Kei Tsuzuki of Kei & Molly Textiles.  

 

The avenue banners were intalled on Central Avenue /Route 66 (see photos below) and remained there until 2018.

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We are very grateful for support for this project by a grant from the PNM Foundation and with funding from the City of Albuquerque.  

 

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