We live in a time when our diverse communities are being inspired to slow down and enjoy nature. Spending time in Joe W. Brown Park is magical. It's a calm, peaceful place to exercise and meditate. Our renewed connection with the earth inspired our group to embrace the landscape of New Orleans East, and particularly the waterways. The bayous and lakes give us all the amazing seafood we love to eat as part of our cultural traditions. The people in the boat represent the diverse families who are anchored to New Orleans East.

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.