D.C. Seeking Space for New Street Art

The District wants to turn more graffiti-covered walls into public murals.

Business and property owners who want to donate walls are being sought by Mayor Muriel Bowser, the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the D.C. Department of Public Works, Bowser’s office announced.

“MuralsDC will help both the city and businesses save money they may have spent on painting or removing graffiti, all while helping expand art in the community,” Bowser said in a statement. “Working with local artists, we will deliver a fresh start with a fresh look in our neighborhoods.”

District officials say donated walls need to be highly visible by drivers and pedestrians, designated for commercial or public use and made of concrete or brick. Ideally, walls used by MuralsDC artists will have been tagged in the past or close to other property that has been tagged.

Applications to donate walls before the May 1 deadline can be found online. The District is also looking for “graffiti and aerosol mural artists,” who will be given budgets of up to $13,500.

Photo courtesy of JBG Companies