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Juror Biography: Rachel McCall serves as Vice President for the Downtown Norfolk Council, leading the organization’s operational and strategic initiatives. In her various roles with the Downtown Norfolk Council, Rachel has advanced new businesses and public art for Norfolk’s first arts district, the NEON District, supported downtown’s Vibrant Spaces business catalyst and Selden Market programs, and advocated for a pedestrian and bike-friendly urban environment. 

For almost a decade, Rachel has led the NEON District in its development alongside committee members, neighborhood residents, fellow non-profit managers and hundreds of local artists. Beginning as co-chair of the inaugural NEON Festival in 2015, Rachel has introduced tens of thousands of visitors to the district through seasonal events, free public art tours, regular programming at The Plot and lively social media and marketing. Under her direction of the NEON District Public Art Committee, more than 150 works of temporary and permanent art, including 55 murals, have been installed in the neighborhood. Rachel also leads the selection and curation for annual art exhibitions in district gallery spaces and administers artist grants through the NEON District Public Art Program.

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Prior to arriving at the Downtown Norfolk Council in 2014, Rachel worked in book publishing and retail purchasing. Rachel is a founding board member of the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation and serves as chair of the foundation’s Events Committee. A graduate of the International Downtown Association’s Emerging Leader Fellowship and a contributing author to A History Lover’s Guide to Norfolk, Rachel is passionate about the intersection of cities, history and art. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Rachel received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art History from the College of William & Mary.