Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief
In celebration of Black History Month, Lamar Advertising and Lamar’s Colossal Media division have teamed up with Black Artists + Designers Guild to create a hand-painted mural on a wallscape in Brooklyn that will celebrate the power of Black Imagination and Collective Action.
Founded in 2018, Black Artists + Designers Guild is a mission-driven non-profit striving to build a more equitable and inclusive creative culture by advancing a community of independent Black makers in creative industries.
The mural, designed by Black Artists + Designers Guild, features the organization’s manifesto: We are liberatory, celebratory, collaborative, community, active, activists. In addition to the mural location, the artwork will be displayed on Lamar digital billboards across the country throughout February.
Sean Reilly, CEO of Lamar Advertising Company told us “Each year, Lamar uses our Out of Home network to honor the achievements and contributions of the African American community during Black History Month. This year, we are excited to partner with the Black Artists + Designers Guild to share the brilliant work of their artist community, and to help deliver a reminder of the importance of inclusion and the need to build deeper connections within our communities among all people.”
Kelly Peppers, President of Colossal Media said “Colossal’s second collaboration with the Black Artists + Designers Guild is the perfect encapsulation of Start Today’s mission Start Today is our initiative to deepen the connection with our community, amplify the important work of non-profit organizations and local activists, and demonstrate the power of public art in effecting change. We’re honored and proud to help bring this commanding artwork to a colossal scale.”
Located on the corner of Berry Street and North 12th in historic Williamsburg, the 20’ x 45’ hand-painted wallscape will promote the excellence of Black artists, makers, and designers with a composition representing pride, strength and empowerment. The color palette highlighting Black Artists + Designers Guild’s signature colors represents common vegetal dyes in African textiles. Black Artists + Designers Guild intends for the mural to inspire deeper connection and collaboration within the Black creative community.
Black Artists + Designers Guild Founder Malene Barnett was quoted as saying “Through this collaboration, we set out to create a visual representation of Black imagination and collective action. This mural represents our BADG manifesto, the foundation for our action-oriented membership as we drive the industry toward equitable and inclusive spaces.”
Colossal Media, the division of Lamar that specializes in hand painted wall ads, is painting the mural. Colossal operates 81 large-format, hand-painted wall displays in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and six other US cities. The mural will be unveiled on February 10 and will remain on display through the end of April.
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