Project Backboard
Project Backboard is an amazing organization that resurfaces public basketball courts and turns them into large-scale pieces of community art.
Do you live in a community with run-down basketball courts? Or that could use some uplifting public art and, as a bonus, a community-run art project? Take inspiration from Project Backboard, which promotes and supports community efforts to create murals on basketball courts. Rally athletes and artists, and bring people together to design and create a work of public art on one of your courts. You can run a competition for the best design, or you can collaborate in creating the design as a group. Source paint and supply donations from local businesses, and pull your community together for a day of public artistry.
How do I get started?
Do some research on Project Backboard, and then find an ally in your community (think: art teacher, community activist, local artist)
Identify a great location that’s ripe for renewal
Pick a date (and a rain date) for your event
Run a design competition, and advertise the event
Get necessary permits and permissions
Fundraise for the supplies
Get local press coverage
Have fun!
Download our Stand out from the Crowd - Done in a Day Project pdf for step by step instructions on how to proceed.
How long will this take? The project is estimated to take between 25-30 hours
How do I expand this narrative arc? Think: community beautification:
Start a Guerrilla Gardening movement
Plant a Community Garden
Create a Pop Up Park
Or create Portable Gardens in your community
HOT TIP: This is a great project for someone who’s interested in both sports and community revitalization. If properly promoted it could garner significant attention in your community and beyond.