Asphalt Art Installation at City Hall Plaza Will Begin This Spring
Published on April 04, 2023
Public is invited to provide input on the space and help install the art at the bottom of City Hall front steps
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced that the city asphalt art mural will begin installation on April 28. The mural will be part of a public art installation in City Hall Plaza and was selected by the community last summer. It is intended to reimagine the former driveway in front of City Hall and will feature street furniture for daily public use as well as flower planters to safeguard the space from vehicles.
“We’re excited to see the community-driven vision for City Hall Plaza take shape,” said Mayor Walsh. “As we continue investing in infrastructure for the next generation, we are creating brighter, safer and more welcoming urban spaces in our city. We look forward to seeing the new City Hall Plaza flourish and grow into a vibrant gathering place for the community to use and enjoy.”
The mural installation continues to engage residents and the public. Local artist Jessica Whitley will install the mural Friday, April 28 through Sunday, April 30, weather permitting. She and the City are inviting local artists and members of the public to volunteer with painting the mural installation. To volunteer, the public can sign up via the project survey found at syr.gov/city-hall-plaza.
The public is also encouraged to provide input on the space through the public survey from April 4 through April 18.
Reimagining City Hall Plaza is a community-driven project in partnership with Adapt CNY and funded through a $25,000 grant from the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative, which uses art and community engagement to improve street safety and revitalize public space. Last year, ADAPT CNY and the City issued an open call for artist submissions to envision the site as a permanent public space for community dialogue and inclusive civic engagement.
About Jessica Whitley
Jessica Whitley is a local artist born and raised on the Northside of Syracuse. Her work focuses on exploring boundaries, from personal to societal, and analyzing how people engage with one another and their environments. She has lived, studied, and worked in Syracuse and is excited to use her voice and perspective to help improve its residents’ quality of life.