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City hiring artists for planned memorial for Atlanta Child Murders

Earlier this year, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced plans to re-examine evidence in the case.

ATLANTA — Atlanta is looking for an artist to create portraits of the victims of the notorious Atlanta Child Murders case.

Earlier this year, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced plans to re-examine evidence in the case.

She also formed a task force to brainstorm design concepts for the memorials. Months later, the city is now seeking an artist to implement the vision.

There are two ways the city will honor the victims.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says there will be a painted portrait at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport similar to the display honoring Civil Rights icon John Lewis.

“It is important for Atlanta to acknowledge the innocent lives lost during one of our City’s darkest hours,” Mayor Bottoms said in a statement on the city’s website. “This task-force will determine a lasting and appropriate tribute for the victims and their families and serve as a testament that those lives mattered. That African American lives matter.”

In addition to the display at the world's busiest airport, we're told there will be a flame display on the lawn of City Hall. Mayor Bottoms says the flame's design will be finalized by February. 

Here are more details about the search for an artist for the airport display, per the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs:

  • Quality of the portrait proposal and drawing sample submitted.
  • Expressed interest in creating artwork for the opportunities presented by this request for proposals.
  • Artist merit and technical expertise.
  • Demonstrated successful and innovative approach to design and projects of a similar scope.
  • Artist should be sensitive in response to the subject matter.

The selected artist will receive $18,000 for their work. A submission of a digital portfolio and original artwork for the project is due Friday, Nov. 22 at 11:59 pm.

The Atlanta Child Murders rocked the city from 1979 to 1981, causing uneasiness among communities. Earlier this year, 11Alive produced an extensive update to the investigations for the Atlanta Child Murders.

Check out our coverage in the player below.

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