Harris County, Texas is home to a vibrant and diverse collection of murals and graffiti art. From honoring local heroes of social justice to inspiring social and environmental change, these works of art can be found throughout the Houston metropolitan area. With nearly 750 original murals, Precinct One's public art program is dedicated to bringing culturally relevant art to communities that may not have access to it. One such mural is located at 710 Crawford Street, created by Nigerian painter and artist Chief Jimoh Buraimoh.
This mural was installed as part of Commissioner Rodney Ellis's efforts to place public art throughout Harris County. Each mural is accompanied by a plaque with a QR code linked to Street Art for Mankind's free Behind the Wall app, which explains each piece and provides connections to local service organizations. The project was funded in part by TotalEnergies, a global company with an office in Houston, and conceived by Harris County District 1 commissioner Rodney Ellis. The festival was produced by UP Art Studio, a public art consultant and facilitator who has played a fundamental role in the creation of hundreds of murals and art installations in Houston, including the Mini Murals project.
The firm also uses murals as a tool to improve communities and helps graffiti artists develop careers as internationally recognized artists. Houston is now home to more than 1000 murals and art installations, according to the Houston Wall Map. This mural highlights the freedom and opportunities offered by having a bicycle and inspires others to go exploring. The president and CEO of downtown Houston, Kris Larson, whose company is an economic development organization that represents the city center, said that additional murals may be added next year. Muralists from around the world, including three from Houston, painted a series of murals in nine downtown buildings with the goal of inspiring social and environmental change. One such mural is Justice for All which looks at Buffalo Bayou and was inspired by a photo of pioneering Texas legislator Senfronia Thompson.
The non-linear collection of murals in commercial buildings covers more than 1 mile from the city center and was created to promote the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Quality Education for All is another colorful mural that plays with cubism and realism in the style of Picasso and uses a continuous black line. The Bigger Change project is a collaboration between an inner-city economic development organization, a global non-profit arts organization, an energy company and a Harris County commissioner. Visitors can use this map to find, visit and enjoy the wonderful murals and street art installations that exist throughout the Houston metropolitan area. With nearly 750 original murals, Precinct One's public art program focuses on bringing culturally relevant art to communities that may not have access to art in their neighborhoods.
