The Magic City Mural Festival returned to Woodlawn with five female muralists from across the country from November 5, 2022 to November 12, 2022. Led by Blank Space BHAM and REV Birmingham’s Woodlawn community facilitator, Jason Avery, the festival brought new murals to the alleyway between 55th Street North and 55th Place North – affectionately called “The Way”.
The Magic City Mural Festival was born from a desire to turn art into action with the collective practice of creating murals in partnership with communities as a unique way for people to design and reclaim the narratives of their neighborhood. At the same time, the festival also serves to showcase the work of marginalized female artists and artists of color.
The Way
“The Way” alleyway is in the heart of Woodlawn’s commercial district. Several key Woodlawn businesses back up to the alley, including Woodlawn Bar and Lounge and Woodlawn Theatre.
By improving the overall pedestrian experience in the alley, the murals help these businesses reclaim usable space in addition to adding vibrancy to Woodlawn. The art will work in conjunction with other placemaking efforts to make “The Way” a gathering place for neighborhood.
The Magic City Mural Festival was born from a desire to turn art into action with the collective practice of creating murals in partnership with communities as a unique way for people to design and reclaim the narratives of their neighborhood. At the same time, the festival also serves to showcase the work of marginalized female artists and artists of color.
Artists of the 2022 Magic City Mural Festival include:
- Tyra Robinson, Birmingham, AL
- Charity Hamidullah, Atlanta, GA
- Annie High, Atlanta, GA
- Anna Dugan, Salem, MA
- Asha Sanders, Tupelo, MS
This project has been made possible by grants from the Woodlawn United, the Alabama State Council on the Arts and other community sponsors.