The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) and the Department of Public Works (DPW) will host a unique art tour for local community representatives, artists and youth to unveil six new murals completed through its MuralsDC program. The kick off and bus tour begin Friday, December 11, at 10:30 am at Walter Pierce Park in Adams Morgan (2630 Adams Mill Road, NW). The program is funded through the Council of the District of Columbia’s Committee on Public Works and Transportation, chaired by Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham.
“These six murals were painted between October and December, and they are spectacular,” said Councilmember Jim Graham. “I am appreciative of the work DCCAH and DPW do to make this program a success. But I am most appreciative of Midnight Forum for the work they do to bring youth and artists together for this unique, educational exchange.”
MuralsDC was launched in 2007 as a way to combat the rising tide of illegal graffiti. The program positively engages District youth by teaching proper art techniques. It also provides supplies and a legal means for youth to practice and perform their skill in a way that promotes respect for public and private property and community awareness.
“There is an unwritten code of respect that is observed by street artists, which generally keeps walls with art murals from being tagged by others,” said DCCAH Executive Director Gloria Nauden. “We are looking forward to this continued partnership so that we can continue to transform and revitalize other areas of the city.”
During the two-hour bus tour, artists will discuss the inspiration behind their murals, artistic techniques and working with youth, some of whom had illegally tagged sites involved in the program. For those unable to participate in the tour, DCCAH provides a “citywide cell phone tour” of public art destinations that include the six new murals. By dialing (202) 292-2656 and pressing the assigned stop number, members of the public are connected to the voice of the artists who describe the artistic process involved in the creation of their perspective artwork.
The six murals, located in Wards 1, 4, 7 and 8 each reflect the character, culture and history of the neighborhoods in which they are located. The lead artist for each murals live in the neighborhood of their mural and worked with community activists, as well as the business community who donated wall space, to get buy-in.
“DC spends a significant amount each year to remove graffiti,” said DPW Director William O. Howland Jr. “Our agency works with DCCAH to identify walls that are frequently tagged with illegal graffiti. To date, very few walls have been retagged, which means safer, cleaner neighborhoods where citizens can live, work and have fun.”
Last year, MuralsDC completed 12 graffiti murals in six wards. Midnight Forum is a local, youth arts organization, manages the program’s cadre of artists.
MuralsDC Cell Phone Directory:
General Number: (202) 292-2565
Stop Numbers:
Walter Pierce Park: Stop 15
3904 14th Street, NW: Stop 16
314 Carroll Street, NW: Stop 17
907 Barry Place, NW: Stop 18
615 Division Ave, NW: Stop 19
1320B Good Hope Road, SE: Stop 20.
To get a sneak preview of this year's murals visit thedcarts.wordpress.com.