Today, Electric Works announced renowned international muralist Damien Mitchell as the artist selected to paint a 15,000 square foot mural on the Union Parking Garage.
Electric Works news release:
Electric Works announces renowned artist for campus mural
Regional artists encouraged to apply for apprenticeship programFort Wayne, Indiana (April 7, 2025) – Electric Works today announced renowned international muralist Damien Mitchell as the artist selected to paint a 15,000 square foot mural on the Union Parking Garage. The mural will take at least a month to paint, and Mitchell will begin painting in September.
Mitchell has worked as a professional practicing mural artist for more than 15 years and his works are located around the world. He has produced work on structures up to eight stories tall and the length of city blocks. Mitchell has participated in music and art festivals in more than 30 countries, and his clients include: Major League Baseball All-Star Game, MTV, Doctors Without Borders, The Mi Sangre foundation, DKNY, Google and Michelle Obama.
In 2024, Electric Works released a request for qualifications, and nearly 100 artists applied to be considered for this project. Five artists or artist teams were selected to submit proposals for consideration. Project proposals were evaluated based on mural design, use of space, and the artist’s written narrative. In late 2024, Mitchell’s concept was approved by the Fort Wayne Public Art Commission.
J.J. Reidy, director of development for Electric Works, said, “Electric Works is a district of innovation and culture, and this exciting project is meant to complement the incredible art already displayed on campus. The large scale and visibility from Broadway will engage neighborhood residents, tenants and visitors. We look forward to welcoming Damien Mitchell to campus this fall, and we are grateful to the City of Fort Wayne for this opportunity.”
Mitchell often works with other artists, providing mentorship and instruction in the art of mural creation. Project leaders have developed a mural apprenticeship program, which will offer aspiring regional artists an opportunity to garner valuable experience installing large-scale murals. Regional artists can indicate interest in the apprenticeship program by submitting an application here. The deadline for applications is June 1.
Funding for this project is allotted by The Public Art Giveback Program, a funding instrument for the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Art Program based upon contributions from certain city-supported eligible redevelopment projects, as described in § 33.188 of the city code.
Alex Johnson with the City of Fort Wayne said, “In my former role as Fort Wayne Parks Deputy Director of Planning and Development, and as a Public Art Commissioner, it was a real game-changer to have public art funding supported through the Public Art Giveback Program. Those funds were crucial to help complete many public art installations across the City. In my current role as Redevelopment Director, I am responsible for educating developers on the Giveback Program, and for formalizing the Public Art Giveback Program requirements in Economic Development Agreements for projects like The Landing Exchange, Lofts at Headwaters, and soon – the Treeline District. Prioritizing public art in these new public-private partnerships is a win for the developer, the Public Art Commission, and everybody that lives within, or visits Fort Wayne.”
Electric Works will host an Artist Talk with Damien Mitchell to provide an opportunity for the community to meet him and learn more about his career and this exciting project. The Artist Talk will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18 in The Forum at Electric Works. Community members are encouraged to meet Damien, learn more about his style, and see the mural in progress.
About Electric Works
Electric Works is a mixed-use district of innovation, energy and culture, developed as a public-private partnership between Ancora Partners and the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, and the State of Indiana. A redevelopment and adaptive reuse of the former General Electric campus, the first phase of Electric Works includes more than 730,000 square feet of space and offers office, innovation, education, healthcare, retail, entertainment, residential and community uses to create new opportunities for inclusive economic growth. For more information, visit the Electric Works website at fortwayneelectricworks.com.
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