Local Case Studies and Data:

1. Philadelphia Mural Arts Program

Philadelphia started a Mural Arts Program as an anti-graffiti initiative in 1984. This program has created over 4,000 murals, generating $2.2 million in annual tourism revenue while providing arts education to thousands of youth.

2. Wynwood Walls (Miami)

This mural district transformed a warehouse neighborhood into one of Miami’s top tourist destinations, spurring economic development throughout the surrounding area.

3. Murals positively influence community cohesion and cultural identity, as noted by Filipa Rappaport from Smithsonian Education. 

4. The Kennedy Center’s research shows that mural-making fosters shared ownership, builds positive empathy, and creates a sense of accomplishment.

5. Real life examples and research of Community  and Economic Development

Filipa Rappaport, Education and Engagement, Smithsonian Education, Washington, D.C.:

6. Murals are shown in all jurisdictions to build community and a thoughtful cultural identity. Murals are an art form that unifies young and seasoned audiences alike. Murals benefit community Development through social cohesion and belonging. They involve community members in the creative process, fostering a sense of shared ownership and pride in their neighborhood. They can serve as a platform for expressing local history, culture and stories, reinforcing a sense of community identity. Murals transform spaces into vibrant and engaging public areas, contributing to a more attractive and positive environment within the Village. Murals create jobs for local artists and artisans, stimulating the local economy. Mural making shows students that art can make an impact in the world.  Murals can shift a community’s experience from “look what I made” to “look what WE made”.  This shared ownership, accomplishment, and meaning forges purposeful connections. Collaborating fosters positive empathy and replaces competition. The Kennedy Center Research