Drawing inspiration from Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program, the Charlottesville Mural Project was launched in 2011 as a project of The Bridge | Progressive Arts Initiative. Greg Kelly and Ross McDermott returned from a 2010 summer visit to the Mural Arts Program with the dream of creating a similar initiative in Charlottesville. After some initial planning and generous sponsorship from The FUNd at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, they launched a project with an attainable and focused mission.  The CMP is fiscally sponsored by Virginia Organizing.

Our broad curatorial interests range from modern street/graffiti art to wheat-pasted photographs to more formal “themed” murals. We partner with painters, illustrators, photographers, graphic designers–even poets and writers! 

We also believe it’s important to inspire youth with creative, public art projects. By involving kids and young adults in projects that visibly change the landscape of our city, we help instill a sense of pride and involvement in the community.  Additionally, murals are a great way to encourage teamwork and artistic expression. There’s nothing like getting covered in paint!