KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Over the weekend, several murals were painted on boarded up businesses in the Downtown Kalamazoo area by way of an effort between the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership and Dream Scene Creative Placemaking, along with 36 artists.
The idea for the project came from Dream Scene Creative Placemaking and was later supported by the Downtown Kalamazoo Partnership. Originally, around ten artists had signed on to be part of the project, but quickly grew as various artists came and went throughout the weekend.
According to the Downtown Kalamazoo Partnership, nearly 30 different murals were painted to support Black Lives Matter, as well as togetherness and community support.
Downtown Kalamazoo officials were able to provide participants with food and art supplies from various Kalamazoo businesses, including Douglas and Son and City Centre Market & Deli.
This week, many area restaurants are set to reopen, but organizers are currently planning to make the art available to view elsewhere this summer.
“We believe this art belongs to the public and in the public realm, and it’s important that these voices continue to be heard,” officials said. “As these boards start to come down from storefronts, these murals will be placed in public spaces across the Downtown for the public to engage with throughout the summer.”
Meanwhile, the Downtown Kalamazoo Partnership will be sharing information about the artists and pieces created later this week. The pieces can be viewed in person downtown or online at the official Facebook page of the organization.
All further updates can also be viewed at the Facebook page.
