Building a Mural Program for Downtown Greeley

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Overview

In 2009, I embarked on a project to create a mural on 16th Street in Greeley, Colorado. What began as a single artistic endeavor quickly grew into a foundational model for community revitalization and creative engagement. By prioritizing collaboration, advocacy, and strategic planning, this project became a blueprint for empowering local artists and reimagining public spaces in Greeley’s downtown area.

Downtown Greeley, like many towns, faced challenges related to economic revitalization and community engagement. Recognizing the potential of public art to transform spaces and foster community pride, I proposed creating a mural that would not only beautify the area but also serve as a catalyst for future artistic projects. The Greeley Downtown Development Authority (DDA), whose mission centers on fostering economic development and revitalization, proved to be a natural partner for this initiative.

Turning a Vision Into Reality

Turning the vision into reality required a multifaceted approach:

  • Drafting and Pitching the Proposal I drafted a detailed proposal highlighting the mural’s potential to enhance the aesthetic appeal of 16th Street while driving foot traffic and community engagement. The proposal underscored the alignment between the project’s goals and the DDA’s mission.

  • Securing Funding and Approvals Through persistent collaboration with DDA representatives, I secured funding for the mural. This process involved building trust, showcasing the project’s potential impact, and navigating the required approvals to ensure alignment with city regulations and community standards.

  • Executing the Project With funding and approvals in place, I collaborated with friends to bring the mural - “Live in Color” - to life. The process emphasized inclusivity, leveraging diverse perspectives to create a piece that resonated with the community.

“Live in Color” in progress in downtown Greeley, Colorado.

Impact and Outcomes

The 16th Street mural achieved more than its immediate aesthetic goals. It set a precedent for local artists to pitch their creative ideas and access city funding for public art projects. This initiative empowered artists, encouraged community involvement, and revitalized Greeley’s downtown area. Key outcomes include:

  • Economic Revitalization: Increased foot traffic and interest in downtown Greeley, benefiting local businesses.

  • Community Engagement: A platform for artists and residents to collaborate and contribute to their city’s cultural landscape.

  • Sustainable Model: Inspired a formalized process for other artists to propose and execute projects, ensuring ongoing revitalization efforts.

“Live in Color” celebrated the vibrant and diverse creative community in Greeley, Colorado.

Human Centered Approach

This project’s success was rooted in its human-centered approach, focusing on the needs and aspirations of the community:

  • Collaboration with Stakeholders: Regular engagement with DDA representatives and community members ensured the project’s goals aligned with broader revitalization efforts.

  • Empowering Local Artists: By creating a process for artists to access funding and approvals, the initiative fostered creativity and ownership among Greeley’s artistic community.

  • Community-Centric Design: The mural was designed with input from local residents, ensuring it reflected and celebrated Greeley’s unique identity.

 
 

Contribution

The 16th Street mural project illustrates how public art can drive meaningful change in urban spaces. By combining strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and a commitment to community engagement, the project not only transformed a single street but also laid the groundwork for a sustainable mural program in Greeley. Today, the program continues to thrive, embodying the DDA’s mission to foster economic development and revitalization through creative expression.

By integrating participatory design methods, the project not only engaged the community but also highlighted how design can bridge the gap between local government and its citizens. The goal was to inspire a sense of shared ownership and possibility, modeling how urban spaces can be reimagined to better serve the people who use them.

Team

Press

Partners

  • Greeley Downtown Development Authority (DDA)