MuralsDC Celebrated its 10th Anniversary in 2017 with a New Mural at Ben’s Chili Bowl

With nearly 150 murals in every ward of the city, MuralsDC has made a definitive impact on the city’s public landscape. Murals not only help to revitalize corridors, they can increase the marketability of property and promote tourism. Walking and biking tours of MuralsDC murals are requested and led each year with hundreds of people who want to learn the historical and symbolic elements expressed through the art work.

MuralsDC is a visual documentation of Washington, DC’s rich history. Each project is consciously reflective of its surrounding community. Property owners and community representatives have recognized the project for its ability to curb graffiti on property that is habitually tagged. It has become a source of interest for graduate students and others exploring the connection between public art and its positive impact on mental health.

Since its inception, MuralsDC has worked closely with organizations that have provided a wide variety of after school and summer youth programs and has involved more than 200 youth apprentices and volunteers in the development of mural projects. This opportunity has allowed the youth to work alongside lead artists and understand the process of painting a mural, fine-tune their skills as outdoor muralists and gain a level of respect and understanding for public property.