Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Stock: Getty Images
North Texas has had a slower ramp-up for its World Cup street art compared to Mexico City — but expect more artwork and activations after Memorial Day, organizers tell Axios.
State of play: FIFA is targeting next week for the bulk of its branding, such as pole banners and public art, says Anita Simmons, the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee's marketing director.
A soccer boot sculpture designed by a Nigerian artist will be installed near AT&T Stadium (rebranded as Dallas Stadium for the World Cup), Simmons says.
Dallas Love Field will have an exhibit showcasing memorabilia from the 1994 World Cup, which had matches at the Cotton Bowl. The Live at Love stage inside the terminal will stream the World Cup games.
The World Cup's fan festival in Fair Park will have life-size figures of 26 women whose work intersects with sports and STEM.
Friction point: Many North Texans were upset with the North Texas FWC committee last week, after workers were seen painting over a 27-year-old mural in downtown Dallas.
In response to the criticism, the organizing committee said it recognizes "the cultural and historical significance" of Robert Wyland's Whaling Wall 82 and plans to preserve a portion of the mural "as a tribute to its lasting impact."
The artist has threatened legal action, saying he was never warned about his mural being painted over.
Meanwhile, Dallas ISD students have started a petition in support of the mural, calling on the city to seek public input before removing public art in the future.
