Painting community murals

Painting over graffiti can be a time-consuming task as well as a costly one since graffiti tends to resurface over and over again. Murals are a way to beautify and showcase a community. In large, urban cities, the painting of murals is a positive way to fight the eyesore of graffiti. Graffiti does not only send a negative message about your community, but it also works against economic development.

After the mural has been painted, it is important that a group is identified to perform the maintenance on the mural, especially if graffiti does resurface.

Finally, it is important to recognize the neighborhood volunteers in front of their peers at a small dedication ceremony.

For more information on creating a community mural, call the City's Office of Cultural Affairs at 207-6965.

Arts in the Community

Another potential resource for community organizations to paint murals is the "Arts in the Community" (AIC) Program. The Office of Cultural Affairs established this program in 1999 to help broaden the access to quality arts programming throughout San Antonio's diverse neighborhoods. Its purpose is to support partnerships between artists and arts and non-arts organizations in all sectors of the community where arts can help to organize and improve neighborhoods, foster community development and stimulate local economies.

Since the program's inception, Cultural Affairs has awarded $362,000 in grants to 47 community arts and cultural projects, reaching all 10 San Antonio City Council districts. The program has had a direct impact on the lives of more than 19,000 individuals by providing art services that have included public art and performances, arts in education programs, neighborhood cultural and heritage initiatives, community art festivals, mural programs and after-school art curriculum.

Eligibility requirements:
The Arts in Community Program is a recurring program every two years. Applications will be taken in 2005 for the next round of grants. 

Eligible applicants must establish a working partnership between an artist/cultural organization or individual and a community organization or entity. These partnerships may consist of arts and cultural organizations, individuals, neighborhood and homeowner associations, public schools, universities, community centers, hospital and care facilities, churches, or other community organizations. At least one partner must have IRS designated 501(c)(3) status. A fiscal sponsor may also be used for those who do not hold their own tax exempt 501(c)(3) status.