Lyons is the D.C. Department of Public Works public affairs specialist who manages the MuralsDC program, which replaces illegal graffiti with works of art. The program is seeking wall space in high-graffiti areas to use for murals this summer. Applications are due April 30 and can be downloaded at muralsdcproject.com or dpw.dc.gov and should be emailed to [email protected].
Where did the idea come from?
It started in 2007 and was the idea of Councilmember Jim Graham. Wherever we put a mural, it tended to keep the graffiti down. Of the 36 original murals we’ve done so far, maybe four of those walls have been vandalized, and those were minor.
How are the artists chosen?
We work with the D.C. Commission on Arts and Humanities, and Words Beats and Life, which is committed to mentoring and teaching young people a variety of skills, using hip-hop as sort of a backdrop. They know who has a good reputation as an artist, who other artists and other taggers know and respect.
How many artists work on a mural?
We have one lead artist, who works with several apprentices and youth. A lot of these artists have lucrative careers. One has worked overseas as a commercial artist, designing concept cars for companies like Honda and Alfa Romeo. Graffiti is a very celebrated art form, especially outside of this country.
If you are talented, don’t limit yourself to scribbling your name and running from police. You can actually make a career out of this.
Why do you think it works?
I think most graffiti artists appreciate what we’re trying to do. They appreciate other peoples’ artwork, just like the taggers don’t like other people tagging over their artwork.
At the end of the day, we’re providing a piece of canvas and space to create on. What we don’t want is to have a business, or homeowner, have an undue burden paying to clean off someone else’s creativity.
– Scott McCabe
