Press Release: MuralsDC Celebrates 15 Years and More Than 150 Murals with Big Bus Tour
News Release — DC Department of Public Works
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 17, 2022
CONTACT:
Nancee Lyons
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Department of Public Works (DPW) and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) collaborated with Big Bus Tours DC and Destination DC for a mural tour to kick off its 15th season today. The tour, which visited over a dozen sites located in the Shaw and Atlas neighborhoods, is the program’s first bus tour since the pandemic and was designed to allow passengers access to fresh air.
MuralsDC, launched in 2007, has installed more than 150 murals across every ward of the city. The program made national headlines in June 2020, when it coordinated the development of the Black Lives Matter street mural that subsequently became the anchor of what was renamed “Black Lives Matter Plaza”. The tour also included several murals painted in support of DC statehood, installed shortly after the BLM project.
“The152 murals painted by local, national and international artists have served as historic documentation, conversation pieces, and even major landmarks,” said DPW Interim Director Mike Carter. “They have made an indelible impression on residents in every neighborhood of the District and have had an impact around the world.”
Tour participants gathered at Ben’s Chili Bowl’s famously painted wall, where they were joined by muralists Aniekan Udofia—who completed the mural in 2017—and Eric B. Ricks, who also has murals on the property. After hearing the history of several murals located around Ben Ali Way, the group visited several other murals in the immediate vicinity.
“We’re excited to be able to host this tour of some of DC’s most iconic landmarks,” said Michael Riley, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Big Bus Tours DC. “We entertain our passengers with some of the District’s most popular attractions and murals are quickly rivaling traditional monuments in terms of popularity as they provide a unique historical perspective of DC culture.”
During the two-hour tour, artists discussed the inspiration and artistic techniques behind murals located along the U Street corridor and in the alley alongside the Atlas Performance Arts Center at 1333 H Street, NE. Passenger received MuralsDC-logoed caps as well as special gift bags from Destination DC.
“Destination DC is excited to celebrate the 15th anniversary of MuralsDC, which continues to beautify our local neighborhoods and highlight the creativity and culture of Washington, DC,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, Destination DC. “We look forward to the continued efforts that our residents and visitors will enjoy for years to come.”
The Big Bus tour is the first of two bus tours MuralsDC has planned for the season. The second tour will showcase the six to eight murals scheduled to be painted in August and September of 2022.
“The DC Arts Commission firmly believes in the power of the arts to strengthen and enliven our communities and neighborhoods,” said CAH Executive Director Heran Sereke-Brhan. “We are proud to continue to be a partner with DPW in this collaborative effort.”
# # #
Comments are closed.