A unique partnership to transform the OneUnited Bank building into a public work of art
MIAMI, FL – March 11, 2015 – OneUnited Bank and the Miami Children’s Initiative (MCI) in conjunction with Liberty City Renaissance have partnered to present the OneUnited Mural Project – a public art works, youth development, community beautification program providing arts enrichment through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education.
The OneUnited Mural Project is an apprenticeship-based program catered to the youth of Liberty City, the community adopted by the Miami Children’s Initiative’s cradle-to-college-to-career strategy. A select cohort of teens will work under the guidance of celebrated local artist and muralist Addonis Parker, to research, design and create a public work of art utilizing the OneUnited Bank building as its canvas. The teens will also receive a $240 stipend, open a bank account and participate in a “Day-at-the Bank,” where they will learn financial literacy skills.
OneUnited Bank seeks innovative ways to reach, engage and promote financial literacy and community development. “We are honored to partner with the Miami Children’s Initiative and Addonis Parker to promote financial literacy to youth.” said Teri Williams, President & Chief Operating Officer of OneUnited Bank. “We also believe the murals will engage, inspire and be a catalyst for community development for the 79th Street Corridor and Liberty City.”
The OneUnited Bank building located at 3275 NW 79th Street, Liberty City, Miami will be turned into a public work of art creating an oasis in the midst of a busy retail thoroughfare. The expected completion date for the murals is June 2015, and will be marked by a public unveiling event.
A Florida native and resident, Addonis Parkerhas an impressive resume of mural creations and restorations to his credit, spanning the last 20 years, including projects at Miami’s African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, Gibson Park, and Pinnacle Plaza. He has participated in scores of group and solo exhibitions and has had work featured in numerous public and private collections. By guiding the transformation of the massive bank building into a masterpiece representing the story and culture of the community, Addonis will bring to life the Liberty City Renaissance’s vision of creating a beacon and visual sign of change.
The Liberty City Renaissance is a celebration of African-American culture that promotes Liberty City artists. A $75,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has provided the Miami Children’s Initiative (MCI) and its partners with the opportunity to demonstrate that Liberty City is a community that embraces the arts and supports the production and presentation of works by visual and performing artists, especially those linked to its rich African-American heritage.
OneUnited Bank (www.oneunited.com), a Minority Depository Institution (MDI) and a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has received the Bank Enterprise Award from the U.S. Department of Treasury for ten years due to its community development lending. Its mission is to be the premier bank serving urban communities by promoting financial literacy and offering affordable financial services.
