Graffiti is not what it used to be. At the Studio 360 radio show, Jack D’Isidoro recently reported on an American city that wanted to be a tourist destination for murals on every wall.
“For decades, street art was bemoaned as a symptom of urban decay and detritus — a sign that system had lost control. …
“Times have changed, however; mainstream culture now recognizes that street art can be iconic, sensational, and good for business.
“But what if it was created with the intention of being a public good, as a tool that could revitalize and beautify a neighborhood? Richmond, the capital of Virginia, decided to find out.
“Now in its fourth year, the Richmond Mural Project brings internationally renowned mural artists to install pieces (with the building owners’ permission) throughout the city. The mission: create the highest concentration of murals in the world, turning Richmond into a global destination for street art lovers.
” ‘I thought, “I can make a change in Richmond,” ‘recalls Shane Pomajambo, a Washington, D.C., art gallery owner and organizer of the project. Initially, he had met with the mayor and city council members with the intention of creating an arts district within the city, but it quickly expanded into a wider effort …
“With a total of 84 murals since the project’s inception, it’s inspired local artists as well, who have added to the impressive displays across Richmond’s brick walls.”
More at Studio 360, where you can also see more Richmond murals.
Photo: Richmond Mural Project
A mural by the artist Ever in the city of Richmond, Virginia
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
I’m not sure this qualifies as graffiti anymore but I still like it!
It’s getting very serious. Near my office we have had big names from the Institute of Contemporary Art, The Museum of Fine Arts, and now the MIT List Gallery — all of whom have painted the the giant vent from the Big Dig. The new art is just words, neatly drawn: “Translations from other languages.” Go figure.
What a nice way to enliven a city! Thanks for this posting, CE.
It does kind of make one want to visit Richmond!