Art as a Connector

Large Scale Public Artworks Reflect the Vibrancy of Grand Rapids’ Neighborhoods

Public art that contains images of people that look like you and that reflects your lived experience creates a sense of pride, respect, and belonging. The Diatribe’s 49507 Project engaged youth from its arts programming in community listening sessions with residents to gather creative input to understand how they imagine themselves and how they want to see their neighborhoods evolve. Michigan-based artists of color synthesized these ideas and designed seven large scale murals that celebrate and reflect Black and Brown lives, culture, and experiences in neighborhoods in Grand Rapids’ 49507 zip code. Murals were installed on prominent buildings and unveiled at well-attended community celebrations. The result is not only beautiful but is powerful.