Very few city reclamation projects are as cool as the 'Wynwood Walls' in Miami. The initiative is aimed at restoring the deteriorating industrial area, with hopes of populating the streets with pedestrians, graffiti enthusiasts and anyone fascinated with street art culture.
Renowned community leader Tony Goldman is the visonary and founder of the 'Wynwood Walls' in Miami. His goal was to establish a neighborhood that celebrates all things encapsulated in street culture. Goldman invited an international cast of street artists to transform the area into a public museum. Using six abandoned warehouse buildings and a parking lot as their canvas, the artists have converted the neighborhood from a desolate wasteland to a flourishing art exhibit.
Goldman believes that by transforming the community, it will now become a hotspot for artists, students and other interested citizens, where ideas of creativity, innovation and inspiration can be fostered.
Graffiti-Infused Neighborhoods
The 'Wynwood Walls' in Miami Revitalizes a Deteriorating Community
Trend Themes
1. Graffiti Tourism - The Wynwood Walls proves there is a growing trend for travel centered around street art, creating opportunities for local businesses to offer street art-focused tours and experiences.
2. Community-led Redevelopment - The success of Wynwood Walls highlights the trend towards community-led urban renewal, signaling an opportunity for socially responsible investors to collaborate with residents to revitalize other neighborhoods
3. Creative Placemaking - The revitalization of Wynwood Walls demonstrates the trend of creative placemaking, with opportunities for artists and developers to collaborate on projects that transform abandoned or underutilized urban spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Tourism - The growing trend of graffiti tourism spawned by the Wynwood Walls project creates opportunities for tourism industries, museums, tour operators, and local businesses that can cater to this specific niche market.
2. Real Estate Development - Investors and developers can capitalize on the growing trend for community-led urban renewal, partnering with residents to transform other underutilized areas and create thriving centers for art and culture.
3. Art and Design - The success of Wynwood Walls can spur further collaborations between developers and artists, and also promote public art initiatives as a way to invigorate and enhance urban spaces.