The colorful murals of Kingston Creative are reshaping the landscape and narrative of downtown Kingston, with their most recent project involving a collaboration with the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ). Kingston Creative’s mission is to revitalize and foster a sense of community within these areas through the power of art.
Here are some key points about the impactful work being done by Kingston Creative:
- More than 108 murals have been created in the capital city over the past six years, totaling an estimated cost of $100 million.
- Each mural is priced based on square footage, with lead artists receiving around $1,200 per square foot for their work.
- The mural costs typically range from $600,000 to $1.5 million, with the highest expenditure reaching $2.2 million.
- The goal of muralizing downtown Kingston is to elevate the perceived value of the area, which is often seen as neglected and burdened by poverty.
- Kingston Creative aims to establish an art district that is both vibrant and inclusive, serving as a creative hub for the community.
- Local artists and artisans, many from nearby neighborhoods like Parade Gardens, are actively involved in creating these murals, providing employment opportunities for individuals in the area.
- The murals also serve as a platform for promoting art projects in other Jamaican cities such as Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios, attracting interest from both public and private entities.
- Notably, a collaboration between the BOJ and Kingston Creative will result in a $1-million mural in downtown Kingston’s art district, showcasing the essence of Jamaican life and activities.
- Deputy director Janet Crick emphasizes that these murals have made downtown Kingston more inviting, encouraging people to explore and appreciate the community.
- The international recognition of Kingston’s art district has been growing, with PUMA filming in the area and celebrities like Estelle and Michael Johnson sharing their experiences on social media.
While some critics raise concerns about the potential gentrification and displacement that art projects can bring, Andrea Dempster Chung of Kingston Creative is dedicated to ensuring that these developments positively impact the lives of downtown Kingston residents. By empowering local artists and nurturing their skills, Kingston Creative is committed to prioritizing the growth and prosperity of Jamaica’s artistic community.
In conclusion, the transformative murals of Kingston Creative are not just artworks but symbols of community pride, cultural revival, and economic empowerment. Embracing the power of art, these murals are breathing new life into downtown Kingston and inspiring a sense of unity and creativity among its residents.
Leave feedback about this