The murals told many stories relating to art, struggle and collaboration.
We were privileged to join a group in San Francisco for the day viewing a city tour of murals painted on buildings. The themes of the murals are many and the colors vibrant. Many of the murals filled the side of an entire building. Some portrayed mystical themes, others the history of the Mexican people and others of hope and inspiration. One of the artists provided detailed information on the background of each mural.
Our walk ended with enjoying the site of a children’s playground where creative animals meant for climbing were designed by the same artists. Enamel, glass, paint and many types of elements were put together in the most creative play structures I have ever seen.
What struck me was the fact that these murals are painted or created in collaboration. Sometimes as many as 10 artists will work on one project. These projects help keep young people and adults working, deter grafitti and bring beauty to the Mission District. It also provides a marketing-communication message that they care about the population currently living in the area.
The tour reminded me of previous blogs where I proposed working in collaboration to extend your prospect and client reach. The artists have attracted much attention including famous artists that sometime visit to help out. Grants are being provided and grafitti is diminishing in the area.
You might say their mindset is focused on building relationships with everyone they touch with those who touch the community. By so doing, the artists are building their own businesses in the way of a very Smooth Sale!
