Transforming unsightly areas into art masterpieces: The Grandscale Mural Project in Harlem
Transforming Harlem with Art: The Grandscale Mural Project
In the heart of Harlem, a vibrant and transformative initiative is underway, aiming to breathe new life into the neighborhood. Known as the Grandscale Mural Project, this community-driven art initiative is working tirelessly to beautify construction barriers and vacant lots, particularly around 125th Street and Lexington Avenue.
The project, which began more than a decade ago, was initially connected to the MTA’s Second Avenue Subway extension. With an expected completion between 2030 and 2039, the Grandscale Mural Project remains active, striving to convert unsightly construction-related eyesores into artistic landmarks.
At its core, the Grandscale Mural Project is a collaboration between local artists and community members. Over 100 artists, many of whom have ties to the community, are involved in the project. These artists create vibrant and meaningful murals, each telling a unique story about love, unity, resilience, and mental health.
One such artist is Shiro, who moved to the U.S. from Japan in 2002 and has been a professional artist since. Shiro is currently working on a mural featuring a character named Mimi, a reflection of her feelings of isolation.
The Grandscale Mural Project is not just about aesthetics; it's about uplifting the community. Public Health Emergency Support (PHES), the program director at ArtBridge and another artist involved in the project, believes that public art brings attention to issues within the community. PHES is also working on a mural of Paul Robeson, a significant figure of the Harlem Renaissance, as a testament to the project's commitment to community history.
Residents of the area have long complained about drug refuse and loitering, issues that have persisted nearly 60 years. However, the Grandscale Mural Project aims to counteract this negative atmosphere, bringing color and a welcoming ambiance to the neighborhood.
The project has gained significant support from City Council speaker Diana Ayala, who believes it helps to uplift the community. The Grandscale Mural Project started as an offshoot of Uptown Grand Central, a grassroots initiative started by local business owners in 2013.
In 2019, the Grandscale Mural Project started working independently, and it has since been made legal due to the adoption of Local Law 163 in 2021. The City Canvas program, which allows artwork on temporary protective structures, was initiated as a temporary pilot. However, the success of the Grandscale Mural Project has proven its potential to make a lasting impact on the community.
As the Grandscale Mural Project continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of community-driven art and its ability to transform a neighborhood. The project is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2025, but the impact it will leave on Harlem will last far beyond that date.
[1] MTA. (2021). Second Avenue Subway. Retrieved from https://new.mta.info/second-avenue-subway [2] Grandscale Mural Project. (2021). About Us. Retrieved from https://grandscalemuralproject.org/about-us [3] ArtBridge. (2021). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.artbridgeprogram.org/about [4] Uptown Grand Central. (2021). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.uptowngrandcentral.org/about [5] City Council Speaker Diana Ayala. (2021). Grandscale Mural Project. Retrieved from https://council.nyc.gov/diana-ayala/grandscale-mural-project/
The Grandscale Mural Project extends its influence beyond aesthetics, also aiming to foster a positive home-and-garden environment for the Harlem community, effectively counteracting long-standing issues like drug refuse and loitering. By integrating art into the local lifestyle, the project encourages a sense of unity and promotes mental health awareness among residents.
In line with showcasing community history, the project works on a mural of Paul Robeson, a significant figure of Harlem Renaissance, affirming its dedication to preserving and celebrating the area's cultural heritage.
