Asphalt Art: Painting a Better Urban Future
The Asphalt Art Initiative is reimagining our streets. By blending art, safety, and community engagement, this initiative is turning dull roads into vibrant public spaces.
Launched in 2019 by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Asphalt Art Initiative creates street artworks with the aim to slow down motorists, improve the walkability of public spaces and create new local landmarks. It draws on the success of similar projects in New York City. “We’ve learned a lot from our own experiences and are eager to share that knowledge with other cities,” explains Nicholas Mosquera. The programme provides cities with the tools and resources to create their own asphalt art projects, from assembling teams to selecting materials.
A Splash of Colour, a Safer Street
The initiative has already funded 90 projects across the US and Europe, with remarkable results. An in-depth safety study revealed a staggering 50% reduction in accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. These projects have not only improved road safety but also activated public spaces, fostering a stronger sense of community. With over 500,000 square metres transformed and thousands of residents involved, it’s clear that asphalt art is more than just aesthetics — it’s a catalyst for change.
“Community members should be central to the design process, because they have first-hand knowledge of their streets”
Nicholas Mosquera, Bloomberg Philanthropies
To help cities get started, Bloomberg Philanthropies has created the Asphalt Art Guide. This practical resource covers everything from project planning to implementation. Whether you’re a community group or a city planner, this guide will help you bring your vision to life. It’s time to unleash your city’s creativity and build safer, more vibrant streets.
