- Transforming grey spaces into vibrant places: a case study of the Champlain Bridge Mural Pilot Project    click here to open paper content55 kb
by    Webster, Jessica | jess_violet@hotmail.com   click here to send an email to the auther(s) of this paper
Short Outline
Murals can be effective tools for cultural revitalization. The Champlain Bridge Mural Pilot Project in Gatineau, Canada will illustrate mural project management issues in the context of social and environmental sustainability.
Abstract
Murals can transform grey spaces into vibrant places and represent locally relevant themes in a larger than life format. In addition to this valuable place-making role, murals contribute to social sustainability through the employment of local artists and an increase in the perceived safety of an area. Murals can also attract tourists and have a positive spin-off effect on local business. All of these things make murals an effective strategy for economic and cultural revitalization.

The Champlain Bridge Mural Pilot Project in Ottawa-Gatineau, Canada will illustrate mural project management in the context of social and environmental sustainability. Issues presented include location, graffiti management, financing, materials, environmental assessment, as well as theme and artist selection.

Options for maintaining the appearance of muralled walls are also discussed. One possibility is the concept of a mural ‘lease’ whereby the mural is commissioned for a specific period of time. In addition to engaging the services of artists on a more frequent basis, this concept also creates the possibility for the creation of murals with less toxic or non-toxic paint.

Cultural and economic prerequisites for the commissioning of murals include a local pool of artistic talent able to produce large-scale high quality murals and the ability of government and business to recognize this talent and fund mural projects.
Keywords
murals, graffiti management, local artists
Case Study presented on the ISOCARP Congress 2005: Making Spaces for the Creative Economy
click here to open paper content  Click to open the full paper as pdf document
click here to send an email to the auther(s) of this paper  Click to send an email to the author(s) of this paper