After more than a month of debate, Syracuse Common Councilors Monday approved $250,000 in federal pandemic relief funds for a city-wide mural program. The idea is to provide opportunities for area artists who’ve struggled economically due to the pandemic. Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today President Jimmy Monto said he'd like to see this authorization as just the first in many more.
“I’m hoping that the $250,000 is not just a one and done. I’m hoping that this program lives in perpetually where we use this $250,000 to kick start. We get 8 murals, or 16 presents; however we can get with the $250,000 and that we continue the program with private funders.”
TNT and the Syracuse Public Arts Commission will oversee the program, which will contain a significant educational component. The lone no vote came from Councilor Jennifer Schultz, who questioned how the program will be administered, and who will be responsible for long-term maintenance of the murals.
“There’s some good intentions but I’m not sure the exact plan is there to protect and preserve as much as you think it’s going to be.”
Maintenance will largely be left to the artists, who will be required to use the best available materials to ensure longevity. The funding will be spread evenly among TNT’s eight sectors, and residents in each neighborhood will be informed as mural plans come together.