OIL CITY, Pa. – Another revitalization initiative is about to be rolled out in downtown Oil City. The Oil City Main Street Program is launching a Downtown Mural Program to bring professional artistic murals to downtown buildings.

Outdoor murals were identified in the Main Street 5-year strategy early on, in its initial planning stages. Last year, several Main Street Design and Promotions Committee members began to put the plan into action by researching mural programs in other communities. After many months, a set of mural guidelines, artist contract and property owner agreement have been drafted, and a funding pool has also been established.

“We are excited about the opportunity to bring more murals to downtown Oil City,” stated Kathy Bailey, Main Street Manager. “We have three murals downtown already, but we are ready to take it to the next level. Murals can add vibrancy to a city by transforming blank walls into works of art, and thus attracting visitors and potential businesses. They can be a source of community pride among residents. A strong mural program can be one of the one of the many ways to revitalize a community.”

Joann Wheeler, who coordinates ARTS Oil City, the city’s arts revitalization program, agrees. “Murals are a great way to brighten up a neighborhood and engage citizens. They are also a wonderful sign that the arts are strong in our community!”

Over $40,000 in funding for the Downtown Mural Program is being provided by the Edith C. Justus Charitable Trust, the Laura M. Smedley Trust, the Oil Region Alliance, the National Parks Service, and several private sources.

The criteria in Oil City’s Downtown Mural Program states that murals must be located within the Main Street district, on a side or rear of a building that is clearly visible to pedestrians or motorists traveling through the district. The murals must be a hand-produced work of art, with an original design that is suitable for public viewing by all ages.

Interested muralists must obtain the consent of the building owner, and submit an application and proposal to the Oil City Main Street Program for approval by the Mural Review Committee. Building owners must sign a Property Owner Agreement which outlines their responsibilities, among which is to keep the mural on display and care for the mural for a period of at least ten years.

A Kickoff Event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19th, 5:00 – 7:00 in the Great Room of the National Transit Building. Guest Speaker Mac Howison, Senior Programming Officer at The Sprout Fund, will share how The Sprout Public Art initiative has improved the visual landscape of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. The event will also feature an overview of Oil City’s Downtown Mural Program and a call for artists.

The event is open to local and regional artists, downtown Oil City building owners, business owners, community leaders, and any interested persons. Advance registration by Monday, August 18th is encouraged. Interested parties may call the Main Street office at 677-3152, ext. 101 or reply via email to kbailey@oilregion.org.