Milwaukee launches ‘Paint the Pavement’ Program

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The Metropolis of Milwaukee is launching a program that hopes to encourage and encourage the native artwork group. The “Paint the Pavement” Program welcomes residents to use to color on metropolis streets.

This system goals to strengthen hometown spirit by bringing communities collectively via artwork.

Since 2018, the Division of Public Works (DPW) has allowed residents and group teams to color inventive crosswalks via its “Ornamental Crosswalk” program. One of many first tasks accomplished was a rainbow crosswalk close to Cathedral Sq. Park.

“Paint the Pavement” expands on the prevailing program by growing the forms of murals which can be eligible whereas additionally making the allow course of simpler.

On Friday, Sept. 9, Mayor Cavalier Johnson gathered with group companions to share why the launch of this initiative is so necessary to town.

“Paint the Pavement” offers Milwaukee residents the chance to showcase streets as a spot for individuals to return collectively,” stated Mayor Johnson.

This system has tips that candidates should comply with to be authorised. This contains the art work itself and the supplies wanted.

Art work that shows offensive, political or non secular messaging is not going to be allowed and this system solely requires art work to be painted at sure crosswalks, sidewalks, residential intersections and streets and curb extensions.

The “Paint the Pavement” program doesn’t substitute any structural enhancements alongside the right-of-way and doesn’t take {dollars} meant to restore roadways however does present vibrancy for our metropolis,” stated Jerrel Kruschke, Interim Commissioner, Dept. of Public Works.

Katie Avila Loughmiller is the co-founder of Latinas Unidas en las Artes (LUNA) and the co-artist behind a big mural on Washington Avenue close to Walker Sq. Park. The challenge was made doable by a grant and a variety of group help.

“We had individuals popping out of their homes asking how can they assist,” she stated.

Katie says the creation of the mural is an instance of how artwork has the facility to carry communities collectively. “Paint the Pavement” makes means for this to occur extra usually.

“The chance to have extra artwork in our metropolis and in our group is simply actually so thrilling,” stated Loughmiller.

twelfth District Alderman Jose Perez says he is proud to welcome extra art work to the realm.

“Showcase and specific via artwork what is going on on in your neighborhood and specific your values and the way you are feeling,” he stated.

Mayor Johnson spoke in regards to the significance of giving individuals alternatives to specific themselves.

“In 2024, we’ll be internet hosting a significant political conference which is able to doubtless draw activism and different demonstrations. Our purpose is to not restrict the alternatives for individuals to specific themselves however to make sure that these shows are accomplished appropriately,” he stated.

Neighborhood members advised CBS 58 they take pleasure in taking within the views of current art work and so they’re excited that future tasks will carry extra individuals into their neighborhoods to take pleasure in it as effectively.

Click on right here for full particulars on “Paint the Pavement”, together with the applying course of.