When Tampa commissioned local artists to paint street murals in five popular intersections throughout the city June 27, they did so to cultivate the area’s already inclusive nature.
That’s the entire purpose of Mayor Jane Castor’s Art on the Block initiative, designed to make artwork accessible to all of Tampa’s citizens while bringing artists into each of its neighborhoods. The program launched in 2019 to encourage communication, seeking to foster visual literacy while reducing prejudices through dialogue surrounding art.
Officials have worked with the private sector to produce murals, mosaics, sculptures and more ever since, partnerships which in less than a year have resulted in nearly 20 street murals.
“When we looked at our next Art on the Block project, it was important for us to highlight the intersectionality of what makes our community so diverse and special,” Castor explains. “What better way than with an intersection mural?”
The initiative also supports Tampa’s Vision Zero mission, which seeks to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. “Intersection murals are effective tools for improving street safety,” officials have explained, “enhancing the livability of our streets, revitalizing public spaces and bringing communities together.”
The city’s Art on the Block Mural Day project last month did exactly that. To inspire unity, city officials, organizations and waves of volunteers simultaneously completed five pre-planned intersection murals in Downtown, East and West Tampa as well as in Westshore and Tampa Heights.
The Tampa Heights mural, located on N. Franklin St. and W. Henderson Ave., was designed to represent LGBTQ Pride. It was cosponsored by the Tampa Downtown Partnership and Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber.
The former cultivates partnerships to further the development of Downtown Tampa, advocating for its community with a number of programs and services. The latter represents businesses, groups and individuals in seven counties throughout Tampa Bay, working to advance the business interests of LGBT and allied businesses.
The groups worked with visual artist Cam Parker to complete the LGBTQ piece, more widely known as Painkiller Cam. He says the name is representative of his desire to help alleviate hardships around the world, “visually if I can.”
His vibrant murals have done that for fans throughout Tampa Bay for years, where many of his designs are prominently featured. His work has also been promoted by a number of his celebrity muses, the likes of which include Lady Gaga and Lizzo.
The Tampa Heights mural incorporates the 11 colors featured in the Progress Pride Flag, a design which expands on the widely-circulated Pride flag’s red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. It includes black, brown, white, pink and light blue – representing the more marginalized members of the LGBTQ community, people of color and those who are transgender.
The colors form a clenched, raised fist, a symbol of solidarity and support often utilized with the Black Lives Matter movement.
“At a time when we need to come together, we celebrate our community with the Pride Mural, signifying the unity of the LGBTQ+ community with the Black Lives Matter Movement, people of color and our trans brothers and sisters,” Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber President Justice Gennari shared ahead its painting. “We honor each other and look to build a better future for generations to come.”
Creating a piece based on intersectionality in an actual intersection intrigued Parker, who says he was excited to participate in the project. While it marked his first foray into asphalt artwork, he says he leaned heavily on his own experiences as a Black member of the LGBTQ community to connect with the mural’s message.
“I am very Black and very queer,” Parker asserts. “The LGBTQ community has damn near saved my life because they’re so supportive – my community is my chosen family. There was no way I could say no to doing this.”
“Cam Parker did an amazing job of creating an image that would resonate with the community by incorporating elements of pride and the Black Lives Matter Movement to celebrate inclusion in all forms,” Castor reflects. “Seeing all the volunteers come together to bring this mural to life was truly special and a testament to the power of unity.”
“Everyone worked so well together in representing this partnership to transform the space,” Tampa Downtown Partnership Director of Marketing and Design Ashly Anderson adds. “We had such a great set of volunteers who showed up, it was great. That’s our job, to enhance and celebrate in ways that touch every member of our community.”
To mark the mural’s completion, participants held a ribbon cutting ceremony while adhering to COVID-19 safety measures. “It was truly a community project,” the chamber reflected afterwards.
Parker hopes the mural’s community-based origins speak to Tampa visitors and residents alike, illustrating the city’s inclusivity and dedication to the arts for years to come. “That’s what murals are all about,” he says.
“We’re not desecrating our city’s historic value, we’re improving it,” Parker continues. “I want people to be excited that this is our town and that these are our streets. I want them to feel like each one of us – no matter who we are or where we come from – are equal.”
Tampa’s permanent Pride mural is located on the intersection of N. Franklin St. and W. Henderson Ave. in Tampa Heights.
Photos courtesy Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber.
For more information about Cam Parker and to view more of his work, visit @PainkillerCam on Twitter and Instagram. For more information about the city’s Art on the Block project, the Tampa Downtown Partnership or Tampa LGBT Chamber, visit TampaGov.net, TampasDowntown.com and DiversityTampaBay.com.
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