If you haven't already heard, the Beatty Wall has been buffed! I do not take it personally but I am disappointed with this decision as well as the last minute approach to this whole affair. I have not actually seen the wall myself since I moved out of Vancouver a week ago, but I've gotten nothing but phone calls and e-mails from concerned locals as well as the media. I've done interviews with The Georgia Straight, 24 hrs, The Vancouver Sun and most recently Global News. There was even a piece on News 1130, Vancity Buzz, Topix, Twittermoms, Topsy.com, Reddit and the list goes on.
So here's the skinny, the wall was a combined effort of fifteen former and current graffiti artists, mostly from Vancouver. This was a donated effort for the Steve Nash Foundation Block Party fundraiser who paid for the materials thanks to some help from sponsors. The artists coordinated by myself, had one week to paint this one time (apparently recurringly) blank wall with full artistic freedom but following (sometimes loosely) the theme of "children." The beauty of this project was that it was a group of social outcasts (at some point in their lives) with varying skill levels and varying styles, united to make a cultural contribution to this city. An actual cross section of actual Vancouver residents (mostly). It needs to be made clear that this was a united effort by FIFTEEN ARTISTS and not just myself. The media seems to be making this a David and Goliath story but I want everyone involved in the painting of art on this wall to get their full credit. I do appreciate The positive attention that the media has been giving this despite the angle they seem to be taking. I have no control over the editing of these news releases and no ill feelings.
It has to be mentioned that this wall was painted while the municipal workers went on strike in 2007 which actually made the whole planning and painting process go a lot more smoothly. Normally, the city would not allow basically any type of straight graffiti on a public wall. This, in my opinion, is where we are too regulated. If you travel to Toronto or Montreal you will find dozens of graffiti walls. Those cities have less strict regulations around these details. Here in Vancouver it's more a matter of being able to acquire a permit for your graffiti/mural, it's not gonna happen! The other cities don't really require a permit, they just tolerate the graffiti/artwork unless it is offensive. One of the members of the City of Vancouver Graffiti Management Program did pop by and visit during the painting of this wall. It's cool though, we have a good rapport.
The painting of this wall had its trials and tribulations but for the most part it sent a positive vibe through the graffiti community in Vancouver.
There was a real fear by the city that the contents of this wall would provoke more graffiti in the surrounding area. This is where I consider this project a success because, after keeping a close eye on the neighborhood, there was no impact whatsoever. This success got me onto the idea of repainting this wall annually. Of course a group of graffiti artists didn't want to carry the expense of the paint, after all, they had their talent to contribute. I spoke with the folks at the city about sponsoring this and I have to admit, my efforts could have been greater since there was no repaint. Keep in mind, the city has no tolerance for "free walls." This is where you have a wall where people are allowed to paint whatever they want, whenever they want. I can understand this since this is where you run into trouble. Unfortunately, some regulation is necessary. This is where you need one person to carry the resposibility of the project.
There has been a huge public response to the buffing of this wall. It is heartwarming to know that there are many who feel the same I do. After all, we need to display some personality, at least what little we have. This wall was enjoyed by many and I feel we need to restore this wall to it's status as a mural wall. I am willing to donate the time if the city will buy the paint and I'm sure I can find a dozen artists to help repaint this wall. I can sure tell you one thing though, if it can actually happen, there will be some serious hoops to jump through with permits and all. It won't be easy! Feel free to contact David McLellan of the City of Vancouver and let him know how you feel.
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