Large-Scale Murals Painted During BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival Beautify the Walls of Detroit’s North End

The artists painted 24 large-scale murals on commercial buildings during the festival, some of which the festival owners painted themselves. James, Evans, and Sansing shared they strategically decided where each art installation would be placed throughout the North End in an effort to “amplify BIPOC voices and stories and beautify the underutilized spaces throughout the neighborhood to encourage walkability and tourism.”

They also shared on their website that 75% of the muralists and event producers who contributed to the event were Black or people of color, achieving their goal of creating an equitable and inclusive cohort that mirrors the demographics of Detroit.

The Knight Foundation, Kresge Foundation, Ford Foundation, Detroit Pistons, Vans footwear, Montana Cans spray paint, and other smaller organizations sponsored the BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival.

View some of the murals created during the BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival below. View more murals on BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival’s Instagram.