FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact:
Kate Patterson, San Francisco Arts Commission
Tel: (415) 252-4638 Email: kate.patterson@sfgov.org
Christine Falvey, Department of Public Works
Tel: 415/554-6931 Email: christine.falvey@sfgov.org
Informational Meeting Thursday, January 7, 2010 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts
SAN FRANCISCO, January 6, 2010 - The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) and the Department of Public Works (DPW) have joined forces in combating graffiti vandalism in the City by launching an innovative new pilot program called StreetSmARTS. The program connects established urban artists, or “writers”, with private property owners to create vibrant murals, a proven and effective strategy for making property less vulnerable to graffiti vandalism. StreetSmARTS also aims to restore San Francisco’s stature as a recognized, international destination for mural art. The SFAC and DPW will unveil the first StreetSmARTS mural in late March.
“Over the last year, the Arts Commission has been overwhelmed by a dramatic spike in graffiti and vandalism incidents on the City’s public monuments. The Department of Public Works is equally burdened by this ongoing problem,” said Luis R. Cancel, director of cultural affairs for the San Francisco Arts Commission. “StreetSmARTS is an innovative approach to dealing with vandalism, while providing urban artists with an opportunity to show their talent and creativity by creating something positive for our neighborhoods.”
“The Department of Public Works is a proud partner in this effort that supports private property owners as they battle against unwanted vandalism on their property. Engaging artists and providing opportunities, such as these, not only supports owners and artists, but prevents graffiti from appearing in our communities. Everyone benefits,” said Mohammed Nuru, Deputy Director for Operations at DPW.
With the help of an oversight committee, the Arts Commission will compile a database of vetted artists and their past work. Participating private property owners will be able to select an artist from the database to create an original mural. An artist information session about the StreetSmARTS program will be held on Thursday, January 7th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts located at 2868 Mission Street. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Alyssa Stone at 415/252-3298 or e-mail artsedassistant@sfgov.org
Interested property owners must contact the Arts Commission by Friday, January 29, 2010 in order to participate this fiscal year. Contact Alyssa Stone at 415-252-3209 or e-mail artsedassistant@sfgov.org
About the San Francisco Arts Commission
Established by charter in 1932, the San Francisco Arts Commission is the City agency that champions the arts in San Francisco. Led by the belief that a creative cultural environment is essential to the City’s well-being, the Arts Commission programs permeate all aspects of City life. Programs include: Civic Art Collection, Civic Design Review, Community Arts & Education, Cultural Equity Grants, Public Art, SFAC Gallery, Street Artist Licensing, and Summer and the Symphony Concert Series.
Visit us at www.sfartscommission.org.
About the Department of Public Works (DPW)
DPW is responsible for the care and maintenance of San Francisco’s streets and much of its infrastructure. The department cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and maintains City street trees; designs, constructs and maintains city-owned facilities; inspects streets and sidewalks; constructs curb ramps; removes graffiti from public property; and partners with the diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco to provide stellar cleaning and greening services.
In April 2009, DPW launched a Graffiti Pledge Drive. Resident can go to www.zerograffitisf.org to sign the pledge!
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