RALT + Artspace Partnership: The Cottages of Idlewild
The Cottages of Idlewild affordable housing development will consist of 18 affordable units built on city-owned parcels in the Idlewild neighborhood. This project was made possible through a unique public-private partnership formed by the Raleigh Area Land Trust, Raleigh Raised Development, and Haven Design|Build to maximize success and ensure that community interests are prioritized and protected beyond what any single organization could do alone. The Cottages of Idlewild offers a range of affordable homeownership and rental opportunities for individuals and families at 30-80% AMI. For information, visit https://www.ralt.org/cottages-of-idlewild.
Create public art for Idlewild! Apply for our public art call by April 8:
The Opportunity
With this affordable housing development, comes the opportunity to celebrate the rich history of Idlewild through public art installations on the property. One or two BIPOC public artists based in North Carolina will be commissioned to create two outdoor public artworks celebrating the neighborhood’s culture, story, and legacy.
Public Art Project Partners
In partnership with the nonprofit visual arts center Artspace and a Neighborhood Art Committee, the Raleigh Area Land Trust will commission two outdoor artwork pieces for installation at the Cottages of Idlewild. The artwork design and artist selection will be driven by feedback from local residents recruited for the Neighborhood Art Committee, respondents to local surveys, and input during pop-up community engagement events. Project support provided by the Jandy Ammons Family Foundation.
Public Art Project Partners
In partnership with the nonprofit visual arts center Artspace and a Neighborhood Art Committee, the Raleigh Area Land Trust will commission two outdoor artwork pieces for installation at the Cottages of Idlewild. The artwork design and artist selection will be driven by feedback from local residents recruited for the Neighborhood Art Committee, respondents to local surveys, and input during pop-up community engagement events. Project support provided by the Jandy Ammons Family Foundation.
Implementation Plan
The Neighborhood Art Committee will meet through Spring 2025 to discuss engagement opportunities, the neighborhood history, local cultural assets, and potential public artists. Artspace will facilitate neighborhood feedback through surveys and community engagement “pop up” events. Artist selection, design review, courtyard amenities, signage content, and decisions about cultural and historic elements will be finalized during Summer and Fall 2025. We expect fabrication of the artwork and educational signage to start in Winter 2025-2026, with installation complete before the “ribbon cutting” in Spring 2026.
Questions:
For questions about the Cottages of Idlewild and purchasing a home through Raleigh Area Land Trust, contact Angel Johnson at angel@ralt.org.
For questions about the public art project and community engagement efforts, contact Carly Jones at cjones@artspacenc.org or call 919-821-2787.
For media inquiries, please contact Alexis Trost at alexis@ralt.org.