This is so wrong…
Our murals are important. They give our city character and make it beautiful. They teach our youth about both of these aspects while also instilling in them respect and appreciation for art, hard work, and positive attention. For these reasons, amongst too many others to list, we need to preserve our murals.
The mural above, titled Ridge on the Rise: a mural at risk of being entombed by new construction, is in need of our support. (It is currently marked on the phila-mural map as a red point.) At this moment some are trying to sell the open space in front of it; arguing that not doing so is economically irresponsible. I argue that this open space makes it possible for us to see and appreciate this mural; and that this space can easily be converted into a park. I also argue that the several vacant buildings surrounding this mural (including the building this mural is on) should be restored because these buildings, unlike the new cheaply built ones popping up, have immense character that actually represents Philly.
In closing, building over these murals and/or destroying restorable buildings will not be accepted well. This type of gentrification will be followed with considerable backlash, graffiti and vandalism will ensue again, and the need for a new mural program (or another Anti-Graffiti Network) will arise once more. Thus, why not work to preserve what we have now instead of repeating the errors from our past?
There are plenty of ways to get involved and one of the simplest is by letting me know of other murals in danger of being built over and/or destroyed. (Just enter your info into the windows found on the page titled Post Mural Info.) If you do, I’ll update the map with your info, spread your word, and work to get others to at least pay attention to what is going on in Our City.
Thanks for reading,
MItchell Walker
phila-mural 