Jersey City’s youth stayed productive this summer, while also helping to beautify their community.  Mayor Steven M. Fulop visited the Jersey City Mural Arts Youth Summer Program (JCMAP) as the young artists, ages 14-24, put the finishing touches on their work of art, a 100-foot-long mural.

This year’s mural theme is Jersey City’s Sister Cities, to couple the creative process with research of our 22 sister cities, which was then incorporated into the mural.  This included a series of virtual conversations with representatives from these worldwide cities as part of the mural design creation process. The young artists were then led by professional mural artists where they were given step-by-step instruction on public art techniques.

Jersey City has utilized our expansive mural program as an evidence-based approach to fund the creative economy and reduce illegal graffiti while bringing history, character, and global art to enliven previously ignored spaces.  The JCMAP Youth Program strengthens their skills, and enhances the professionalism and employability of Jersey City’s emerging young artists.