Using Murals to Aid in Community and Business Revitalization
Have you ever walked past a piece of public art and wondered how it came to be there or what its purpose is? Although many people take public art at face value for a moment of enjoyment, and that's 100% fine, folks are often interested when they find out that public art is often a strategic and powerful aspect of community development, strategic planning, and neighborhood revitalization! Whether businesses employ them for a boost in revenue and economic impact or municipalities use them to attract residents and visitors, the benefits of murals on revitalization efforts are undeniable. Here are a few of my favorite points to make when speaking with businesses and community stakeholders about introducing a mural into their outreach plans.
Murals Generate Excitement
Murals and public art help to create a sense of pride, joy, and novelty for residents and visitors alike. Not only does public art like murals beautify a space, but it also makes an area feel cared for and invested in, which spurs the people in it to also care for and invest in the area. In the age of social media, murals can help promote lots of organic content sharing since they provide the perfect opportunity for folks to snap and share a photo for free! Oftentimes, the city or business gets tagged in the photo to let others know where it is, attracting more visitors in the future at no additional cost to the community beyond the original investment in the mural art.
Murals Create Recognition
If you’re a Nashville enthusiast, you probably know the iconic “What Lifts You” angel wings mural by Kelsey Montague. Even if someone doesn’t say that they’re in Nashville, that mural has become so recognizable that many folks would know just from seeing someone post a photo in front of the wings. In Ashland, there are countless recognizable murals, many of which I’ve had the pleasure of painting! Check out some of my favorite murals that I’ve painted in the City of Ashland in this blog: A Look at My Favorite Murals in Ashland, KY. Also, browse through the photos in this blog to see more of my murals! As more and more people visit and share about the murals, they become community staples that remind people to be where they are and enjoy it!
A big part of getting people to invest in anything is an unspoken agreement called “Know, Like, and Trust.” When cities use murals to help create recognizable branding that remains cohesive across a resident's or visitor's entire experience, it subconsciously helps people connect with the community in ways that build trust and enjoyment. Murals are a big, sexy way for communities to declare, “We’re here and we’re glad you are too!” This pays dividends, as shown in an article written about Mural Arts Philadelphia. Read it here!
Murals Boost Traffic and Spending
The long and short of it? Murals and signage beautify businesses and attract customers, which aids in economic revitalization. Stores that have added murals to the inside or outside of their businesses often report huge boosts in foot traffic and revenue. People invest in places they’re proud of, and beautiful businesses that go the extra mile to create an experience for their guests and add value to their community.
In closing, “Murals are more than just a pretty wall—their impact of creative placemaking creates a ripple effect for communities and their members.” It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be able to do such important community work in the city that I call home. The next time you see a mural or public art that you appreciate (especially if it’s here in Ashland, KY), share it with your friends and family!
