Colors of Our Culture

This vibrant mural features three young readers in front of two inviting towers of books. Various aspects of New Orleans culture appear to leap from the pages and enter into real life. This mural speaks not only to the importance of reading, but also to the way that reading preserves culture as the writings of our history can be passed down from one generation to the next. This piece ties New Orleans East to the historical and cultural landscape of New Orleans through the symbols of music, cuisine, architecture and tradition that emerge from the books, while also referencing the important role that the East plays in the city's preservation of wildlife and natural landscapes. The background is painted in Journey Allen’s signature abstract design.

The Joe W. Brown Park youth mural series is part of a multi-year creative placemaking project spearheaded by NOLABA and Arts New Orleans called “Public Art in New Orleans East: Altering the Perception of a Vital Corridor through Art and Engagement.” The project coincides with broader revitalization efforts in the East. Our goal is to celebrate the diverse cultures of the East, shift its perception by beautifying community assets, and create a sense of place along once-thriving commercial corridors. The youth mural series was phase one of an initiative that will include large-scale sculptures along Lake Forest Blvd and at I-10 exits. Arts New Orleans secured a $75,000 National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy and NOLABA to support the project.

Youth artists met with several stakeholders and researched New Orleans East history and heritage to create murals that speak to the identities and aspirations of the community. The youth artists solicited input through a community design workshop and online surveys. Through a partnership with NOVAC, youth participants documented the process of making each of the four murals. The murals were unveiled at a community celebration that featured a second line parade through Joe W. Brown Park.

The project resulted in four murals in New Orleans East.