Efforts Proceed to Make Los Angeles a Mural Center Once Again

An update on efforts by the City of Los Angeles to develop a new ordinance to allow artists to legally paint on the walls of private property.

1 minute read

January 16, 2012, 7:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


In its attempts to draft a new ordinance to allow murals to legally grace its streets and alleyways, the City of Los Angeles is getting creative. Ed Fuentes reports on a recent public meeting held by the Department of City Planning to gather feedback from artists and the public, which began with a workshop exploring the fine line between art and commerce.

"Many liked the direction of the ordinance--for the most part. We are supportive and excited by the chance to paint again, said half of the two dozen who signed up for public comment. Still, there was almost always a "but" after the pat on the back, all which echoed sentiments expressed at previous meetings. Ironically, it is the artists' suggestions, some presented with tempered impatience, that could add a few layers of bureaucracy."

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