In just under two weeks, iconic State Street, in the heart of Downtown Madison, became an outdoor temporary public gallery containing monumental anti-racist artwork and responding to the historic times. Now the conversation turns to how to preserve it, exhibit it and continue the dialogue which is informing the whole community. 
 
Artists created 70 commissioned murals conveying powerful messages, inspiring dialogue, and demanding change. The community response to their work was emotional and uplifting. 
 
Now that painting has officially ended on State Street, we are thanking the amazing artists who worked on the project, thanking the businesses who offered us their storefronts as canvases, and preserving the work now that it is time to re-open.  While some businesses are unable to remove the boards on their buildings because of broken storefront glass, others are able to open for business. The Business Improvement District is coordinating the slow and deliberative removal of the boards for their preservation and future display and public reflection.
 
The next phase of this project involves collecting community input about the future of these murals. 
 
Ideas the community has shared already include:
Hosting a temporary exhibition with timed entries to make some of the works accessible to people who are high-risk for COVID19.
Auctioning the works to raise money for the artists or non-profits. 
Donating the art to schools or community centers
Donating them to local historical societies/museums

GIVE US YOUR INPUT HERE:
https://airtable.com/shr2TqEsZWaADHpf0

 
We are eager to hear your ideas too. Access form from the link to the "Community Input Survery for Street Art & Mural Project" on the right.