The North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC), in collaboration with the Essex County Land Bank and Ticonderoga Revitalization Alliance, is building a regional roster of creative professionals to transform storefronts into experiences. This effort is part of a larger movement—rooted in the success of Walls Between Waters mural festival. Through New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and the Vacant Rental Improvement Program (VRP), we’re helping small towns reimagine what public-facing spaces can become. At the heart of this initiative is the preservation of place: a celebration of our downtowns’ architectural heritage, historic facades, and the cultural identity embedded in our storefronts and apartments. These creative upgrades support modern businesses and housing while respecting the unique history of each block—blending the old and the new to create something unforgettable. Who We’re Looking For We are seeking creatives and contractors with expertise in: •Full-window artistic decals •Hand-painted signage •Seasonal or semi-permanent painted window murals •Creative storefront installations or display art •Vinyl-cut typography or branding graphics Our projects engage businesses that represent the evolving spirit of our towns: Coffee shops | Maker co-ops | Gaming stores | Boutique laundromats | Specialty Italian food shops | Children’s museums | Breweries | Performing arts centers | Historic gas stations | Olive oil companies- and lots of apartments typology These small enterprises are the modern heartbeat of buildings that tell a story—and we’re inviting you to help visualize that connection through art.Important Clarification: Decals & Vinyl Graphics For window decals and vinyl graphics, we welcome
