Baltimore Mural Program
Baltimore Mural Program
The Baltimore Mural Program was created in 1975 to make Baltimore neighborhoods more attractive, instill a sense of pride, provide employment for local artists in their own field, combat graffiti in neighborhoods, and engage young people in the beautification of their own communities. Working with the artists, neighborhood groups/associations and funding sources, the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) coordinates and directs this ongoing program. The Baltimore Mural Program has produced more than 250 murals across the city, creating an outdoor public museum for the enjoyment of the people of Baltimore. We work with local mural artists who have experience working with communities.
The Baltimore Mural Program
The Baltimore Mural Program was created in 1975 to make Baltimore neighborhoods more attractive, instill a sense of pride, provide employment for local artists in their own field, combat graffiti in neighborhoods, and engage young people in the beautification of their own communities. Working with the artists, neighborhood groups/associations and funding sources, the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) coordinates and directs this ongoing program. The Baltimore Mural Program has produced more than 250 murals across the city, creating an outdoor public museum for the enjoyment of the people of Baltimore. We work with local mural artists who have experience working with communities.
The process for getting approval for a mural is not difficult, but it has a few steps and can take some time. Mural costs may depend on the size and condition of the wall, the artist’s fee, cost of sundries, supplies, and installation equipment rentals. The following are the steps for mural design and site approval:
1. A muralist designs and produces the work, usually in conjunction with a community or neighborhood association. A mural artist usually works under a contract with the community association or the building owner.
2. The building owner must provide written acceptance of the mural (called a Right of Entry). If the property is owned by the city, you must have a Right of Entry from Baltimore Housing, Office of Legal Affairs.
3. If the building is in a historic district, the building and design must undergo a review by the Baltimore City Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP). The CHAP review ensures that the wall and the design are both appropriate for a historic district.
CHAP
417 East Fayette St., 8th floor
(410) 396-4866
4. If the building is not in a historic district or once the CHAP review is completed and the mural has been approved, the design must be presented to the Zoning Office for their review.
Zoning Office
417 East Fayette St., Room 147
410-396-4126
5. A mural requires an exterior painting permit. The application is filed with the One – Stop Shop. You will need 2 copies of the mural image pictured on the intended wall (either 8½” X 11” or 11” X 17”). The application process takes 48 hours. Once the application process is completed, the fee for the permit will be determined.
One-Stop Shop
417 E. Fayette St., Room 100
410-396-3360
6. With the artist, you must determine if the project requires scaffolding or a boom lift. If either of these devices obstructs a public way (sidewalk or street), you must obtain a Temporary Use of Right of Way (ROW) permit from the Department of Transportation.
Department of Transportation
City Hall – Room 250
100 N. Holliday Street
For More Information
For questions and more information, email BOPAcommunications@promotionandarts.org or call (410) 752-8632.
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