Visually Speaking: 10 Reasons Why Graffiti Artists are Great for Communities

Graffiti artists have been around ever since there were walls and things to draw or paint with—so, forever really. Murals are a more refined and planned out version of graffiti art and have historically been a much more accepted form of street art. Diego Rivera’s amazing murals, often depicting communist narratives, can be seen in Mexico City and even he was censored at times. In 1933, he began a piece in Rockefeller Center that was painted over after he refused to remove an image of Lenin. The depression was actually a boon for artists when Roosevelt created the WPA and commissioned numerous public art project in public building across the U.S.

In the 70s and 80s, New York City subways were covered in layers of tags and masterpieces of fantastic spray-painted lettering. Even today, as graffiti artists have increasingly  joined the mainstream, it’s considered vandalism. However, sociologist and author of Graffiti Lives, Gregory Snyder explains its legacy to the BBC: «There was an opportunity to utilize these young people’s artistic energy in the service of NYC culture,» he says. «And one of the outgrowths of the graffiti movement is that people all over the world came to New York seeking NYC culture – and part of that culture they were seeking was the graffiti written on our subways.» Contemporary street art has gained acceptance as a unique way to make a positive impact on communities. Here are 10 reasons to welcome graffiti artists and public art into your neighborhood.

1. Beautification

In neighborhoods with dilapidated or abandoned buildings, colorful murals can transform dismal urban blight into a larger-than-life outdoor art museum.

2. Connecting

Murals can help communities process difficult shared experiences by encouraging people to express themselves visually and creating a narrative of the event. Two teachers at Beechwood Elementary School in Ohio decided to teach their students about the 9/11 tragedy by turning their classroom walls into a mural exploring different aspects of the attacks and their aftermath.

3. Revitalization

Bushwick Brooklyn is a perfect example of how street artists can revive a flagging neighborhood. What was once a little-known area full of abandoned factories and warehouses is now a popular stop on a walking tour because Bushwick resident Joseph to allow some of the country’s best artists to work their magic. Detroit and Philadelphia are just two of the many cities that have taken advantage of empty walls and local artists.

4. It Sends a Message

From Diego Rivera’s political, social commentary to the one-upmanship of taggers, public art tells a story and reflects the tone and history of the community. In Santiago, Chile murals are big business for once marginalized artists with business owners vying for the most talented painters.

5. They Spark Dialogue

Contemporary street art speaks directly to and for the residents of the community. Whether it depicts local figures of importance or it’s the work of a well-known artist like some of the contributors to the Murals of La Jolla project who include Ann Hamilton, Ryan McGuinness and John Baldesarri.

6. Public Art Builds Unity

Public art both expresses and becomes the identity of the surrounding neighborhood. It attracts visitors and it gives local residents a sense of solidarity and pride in their community.

7. It Speaks to At-Risk Youth

Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program works with Restorative Justice to bring offenders and victims together to heal wounds and engage marginalized people in actively trying to improve their surroundings. The program also has workshops and activities to get kids involved in learning about their neighborhood’s history and the art of mural painting.

8. It Helps the Local Economy

By beautifying and revitalizing neighborhoods, street art boosts the local economy. It teaches skills to the residents, attracts tourists, raises property values and encourages new businesses to move in.

9. It’s Educational

Murals can tell the story of the neighborhood’s history and being exposed to art on a daily basis encourages people to talk about it and reflect on it. Kids who participate in creating contemporary street art are more invested in the neighborhood.

10. It’s Accessible

Many people find the thought of spending an afternoon at the art museum intimidating or boring. Street art has an immediate, intimate impact. And you know if there’s a show on Oxygen about it, it’s definitely accessible. Street Art Throwdown, a competition for budding street artists, airs at 9pm on Tuesdays.

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