Legislation Recognizes The Benefits of Street Art & Murals

 

[Much of this post is based on a General Code blog post titled “Street Art and Murals Legislation.”]

Street art and murals have long been a means of artistic expression, cultural representation, and community engagement. Beyond their visual appeal, these public artworks can play a crucial role in enhancing the health and wellbeing of a community. To that point, municipalities are finding ways to support these unique creations while maintaining the character and aesthetics of their communities through street art and murals legislation.

Street art and murals are more than just creative expressions; they are powerful tools for enhancing the livability and sustainability of a community.  Multiple studies show that public art/murals can positively affect a person’s sense of wellbeing and social comfort by:

• encouraging people to spend more time outdoors, stimulating physical activity, healthier lifestyles, and social interaction
• reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and even decreasing the prevalence of depression
• instilling pride and identity, working to further unite and heighten a sense of community
• transforming neglected or rundown areas into vibrant, attractive spaces

Recognizing the various benefits of street art, many local governments are updating their ordinances to support and regulate public art projects. These updated ordinances often include provisions for the creation, maintenance, and preservation of murals. Cooperation between local governments, artists, and community organizations is becoming increasingly common.

An example is the Bucks County “Love Is the Answer Mural Program”.

In January 2021, the Morrisville community joined the global ‘L.O.V.E. is the Answer’ movement, which brought residents, as well as the Morrisville, Falls Township and Yardley Borough police departments together to have real conversations and help build better relationships (see image at left).

Local government and municipalities such as Ithaca, NY, are finding ways to support public artwork.

The Ithaca, NY, “Art Murals” ordinance states “The purpose of this article and the policy of the Town of Ithaca is to permit and encourage art murals on a content-neutral basis on certain terms and conditions. Art murals comprise a unique medium of expression which serves the public interest. Art murals have purposes distinct from signs and confer different benefits. Such purposes and benefits include: improved aesthetics; avenues for original artistic expression; public access to original works of art; and community building through the presence of and identification with original works of art. Murals can increase community identity and foster a sense of place if they are located at heights and scales visible to pedestrians and are retained for longer periods of time.”

A Mural in Newtown?

Back in early 2024, Barbara Simmons – former Executive Director of the Peace Center – and I discussed my idea of initiating a mural project in Newtown (see Meet Mack Monday 26 February 2024). Ms. Simmons worked with several communities and police departments in Bucks County such as Quakertown, Morrisville, Falls Township, Bristol Township to bring police and community members together to gain understanding and improve relationships through mural arts projects. These projects were funding by a grant from the Department of Justice.

The proposed project for Newtown would have included working with three different police departments, George School, Council Rock School District and Bucks County Community College, the Newtown Business Association, the Human Relations Commission, The Peace Center and the Supervisors. Unfortunately, the concept we had could not move forward for a variety of reasons.

Perhaps by working on an “Art Murals” Article/Amendment to the JMZO, we can generate more interest from the public, local municipalities, police and emergency services department to see the benefits of a mural projects in our community. It would also be helpful if and when we seek funding for such projects.

Posted on 04 Sep 2024, 11:57 - Category: Ordinances