News

Graham Kicks Off Anti-Graffiti Mural Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Yuckenberg
(202) 727-5820

July 17, 2007

Washington, DC – Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One) will kick off the anti-graffiti mural program Wednesday, July 18 at 11am in front of the Cluck-U Chicken restaurant at 2921 Georgia Ave, NW.

The program will identify locations repeatedly tagged by illegal graffiti and replace the graffiti with a community inspired mural.

“This creative approach,” said Councilmember Graham, “will help stop graffiti and give youth a positive outlet for their creativity.”

The program is based on Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program, which has reduced graffiti by placing murals in strategic locations.

Councilmember Graham secured $100,000 in the city’s budget to support 50 murals. Up to three murals will be created in Ward One this summer as part of the pilot program. The remainder of the murals will be created throughout the city, starting this fall.

The Department of Public Works will work with the Metropolitan Police Department, business owners and community organizations to identify potential locations. The non-profit organization, Midnight Forum, will then work with young people from the PROUrban Youth summer employment program to design and paint the murals.

Councilmember Graham has also secured an additional $250,000 for graffiti resistant paint and has secured funding for 27 new jobs to be filled by qualified ex-offenders for anti-graffiti and alley cutback programs.

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