The Magic City Mural Festival returned to Woodlawn with five female muralists from across the country from November 5, 2022 to November 12, 2022. Led by Blank Space BHAM and REV Birmingham’s Woodlawn community facilitator, Jason Avery, the festival brought new murals to the alleyway between 55th Street North and 55th Place North – affectionately called “The Way”.
The Magic City Mural Festival was born from a desire to turn art into action with the collective practice of creating murals in partnership with communities as a unique way for people to design and reclaim the narratives of their neighborhood. At the same time, the festival also serves to showcase the work of marginalized female artists and artists of color.
The Way murals
“The Way” alleyway is in the heart of Woodlawn’s commercial district. Several key Woodlawn businesses back up to the alley, including Woodlawn Bar and Lounge and Woodlawn Theatre.
By improving the overall pedestrian experience in the alley, the murals help these businesses reclaim usable space in addition to adding vibrancy to Woodlawn. The art will work in conjunction with other placemaking efforts to make “The Way” a gathering place for neighborhood.
The Magic City Mural Festival was born from a desire to turn art into action with the collective practice of creating murals in partnership with communities as a unique way for people to design and reclaim the narratives of their neighborhood. At the same time, the festival also serves to showcase the work of marginalized female artists and artists of color.
Artists of the 2022 Magic City Mural Festival include:
-
- Tyra Robinson, Birmingham, AL
- Charity Hamidullah, Atlanta, GA
- Annie High, Atlanta, GA
- Anna Dugan, Salem, MA
- Asha Sanders, Tupelo, MS
This project has been made possible by grants from the Woodlawn United, the Alabama State Council on the Arts and other community sponsors.
Related News
-
12 anchor businesses in Woodlawn's historic commercial district
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Front Page, Small Business, Woodlawn
The historic Woodlawn commercial district has been home to some exciting openings in the last year. These new concepts represent the evolution of Woodlawn businesses, providing us a glimpse at what the future holds for this special place. However, as the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day – and neither was Woodlawn! That’s why we want to tip our hats and raise a glass to some of the businesses that have paved the way for further development and growth in Woodlawn.
-
A cautionary tale: Birmingham's historic losses
Filed Under: Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Historic Preservation
In case you haven’t heard, May is National Historic Preservation Month, as so celebrated for years by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Park Service. Here in Birmingham, a city rich in history and culture, this month-long celebration is not only a reminder to take stock of the historic treasures and charm we currently possess, but a time to mourn those we no longer have.
-
10 powerful examples of historic preservation in action
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Historic Preservation, Potential-Proving, Yaysayers
It’s easy to take for granted the historic gems we have here in Birmingham. Many beautiful, story-filled buildings dot the map of our city, their silhouettes adorning our skylines and their façades serving as the vibrant background to our everyday lives downtown. However, without attention, investment and a commitment by our community to prioritize these treasures, our historic buildings and the authentic character they give our city can disappear.