New Brunswick, NJ
Galvanizing local engagement at the city center
The Project
The Unity Square Intersection is the main crossing for all traffic in the Second Ward neighborhood and the center of community activity, with bodegas, private residences, schools, and the neighborhood’s eponymous service provider, Unity Square. This community center serves as an anchor for the primarily Latino immigrant population, addressing issues from crime and safety to immigrants’ rights. This neighborhood was recognized by the state of New Jersey as a site to benefit from major revitalization, thus leading to the creative approach of designing asphalt art as a way to enhance safety and create a brighter environment for local residents. The City along with local nonprofit coLAB Arts commissioned artist Louie Blaka to install a colorful street mural as a means of galvanizing local engagement work and sustain greater stewardship of the area, while also widening the pedestrian areas and shortening crossing distances to create a safer environment for all.
“With Suydam and Remsen being super high traffic and being dead smack in the middle of the city, it was a win. From the city’s standpoint, we’re looking to invest in that neighborhood some culture, a sense of ownership and just showing some love to that side of the city.”
Keith Jones II, New Brunswick’s Director of Human and Community Services
Use the slider to see the transformation
“Public art is a powerful way to activate community engagement when it’s paired with real resource investment from local government and advocates.”
Dan Swern, Producing Director, coLAB Arts
Press
New Brunswick Residents’ Input Sought for Asphalt Art Installation (Tap into New Brunswick, December 6 2021)
New Brunswick is getting a new mural thanks to a $25k grant (MyCentralJersey, October 6, 2021)
For inspiration and tips for the creation of art on roadways and public places, download the Bloomberg Associates Asphalt Art Guide which features successful plaza and roadway art activations around the world, as well as key steps for developing such projects.
