Artist Genaro Ortega selected to create Peters Park mural in the South End

The Peters Park Art Wall was proclaimed a legal graffiti wall in 1986 in an effort to decrease vandalism in the South End. The Boston Art Commission, in partnership with The African Latino Alliance Collective, City Lights, Washington Gateway Main Street, Friends of Peters Park, and Old Dover Neighborhood Association will continue the tradition of curating and programming the Art Wall. This allows for the enrichment of the neighborhood as well as the preservation and celebration of the South End's diverse cultural history.

"The Peters Park Art Wall is culturally significant to our city, particularly for our residents in the South End," said Mayor Walsh. "We look forward to continuing the tradition of allowing Boston's youth the opportunity for creative and cultural expression in Peters Park."

Genaro Ortega is a Boston-based visual arts specialist who has taught painting and drawing for over 20 years. Currently, Ortega is a painting mentor at South Boston's Artists for Humanity as well as the Mural Curator for Madison Park High School. Ortega's proposed mural pays homage to current equality movements. Ortega graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a Bachelors in Fine Arts in Art and Design with a focus in Illustration.

"The Peters Park Art Wall will once again bring the community together to celebrate and preserve a history of culturally relevant art," said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. "Peters Park mural has been gracing the community with art for many years and we look forward to seeing what Genaro will create."

"The South End neighborhood has long been defined by the creative energy of our community," said Kristin Phelan, Board President, Washington Gateway Main Street. "The synergy that has formed around this project between the Mayor's Office, South End organizations, artists from the original ALA Collective, residents, and creative enthusiasts is inspiring. Clearly, there is power in collaboration, and we look forward to this being the first of many projects to come."

Learn more and find additional information about community involvement with the Peters Park Graffiti Mural at www.petersparkart.com.

Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC)

The Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture's mission is to support artists, the cultural sector, and to promote access to the arts for all. The office houses the Boston Cultural Council, the Boston Art Commission, and the Poet Laureate program. Responsibilities include leading implementation of the City's cultural plan, Boston Creates; managing the Boston Artist-in-Residence program; curating exhibitions in City Hall; and operating the historic Strand Theater in Dorchester. For more information go to: www.boston.gov/departments/arts-and-culture

Boston Art Commission

The Boston Art Commission (BAC), an independent board of arts leaders charged with the care and custody of all artworks on City of Boston property, advocates for the creation of innovative and transformative art and promotes its accessibility to enrich the lives of Boston's diverse citizens and visitors. The Art Commission advises, supports, and consults with artists and communities, City departments, and others. It commissions, approves, and conserves the City of Boston's collection of art and historical artifacts.

For more information go to: www.publicartboston.com