Baltimore Muralism: An Exploration of Murals as a Reflection of Neighborhood Desires, Real Estate Interests, and Artistic Vision with Ben Stone, Former Director of Design and Creative Placemaking, National Endowment for the Arts

The most prolific form of public art, murals cover walls in cities around the world. Drawing inspiration from oil painting, graffiti, advertising, and more, muralists are increasingly able to make careers out of this form of work rather than having to resort to unsanctioned painting. From an economic development perspective, murals are simultaneously derided as bandaids ineffectively covering complex problems and celebrated as drivers of neighborhood vibrancy and community wealth. The reality is often more nuanced and generally falls between these extremes. Murals haven’t “saved” any Baltimore neighborhoods, nor have they been a complete waste of time. Instead, they function as a highly visible indication of community collaboration, an opportunity to visualize invisible forces of change, and a series of accessible visual art experiences. Ben Stone, former director of Station North Arts & Entertainment District, co-creator of the Open Walls Baltimore mural festivals, and most recently director of design and creative placemaking at the National Endowment for the Arts, will share local and national stories about murals, muralists, and mural programs.

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