Joint Board commissions city’s newest piece of public art

(Camden, NJ) – On Thursday, the Rowan University / Rutgers Camden Board of Governors unveiled a new mural in the Lanning Square neighborhood.

The mural, created by artist Cesar Viveros, was created in response to feedback from community stakeholders stating that the “Meds and Eds” corridor/Lanning Square neighborhood needed increased vibrancy.

“This mural combines several elements of the neighborhood to create a beautiful mural that represents the community and its future,” said Jeffrey Nash, CEO of the Joint Board. “This was a collaborative effort with community members and this project is a testament to how valuable investing

in public art is for a city like Camden.”

Key Concepts represented in the mural include the city’s proud history, natural beauty and community gardens, and youth and education.

“Public art plays such an important role in our community,” said Dana Redd, president and CEO of Camden Community Partnership. “Camden is a city with a rich history and a bright future, and this new mural takes the beauty and vibrancy of the Lanning Square neighborhood to the next level.”

The mural was a $30,000 endeavor and took Viveros two months to complete. Viveros has spent more than 25 years creating public art and has worked with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program since 2000.

Camden City Mayor Vic Carstarphen discussed the importance of beautifying urban spaces.

“Integrating public art and beauty into cities is vital to the happiness and progress of our residents,” Carstarphen said. “When you look outside your window and can see a stunning mural or a community garden, things that make the space more aesthetically pleasing, that in turn creates a more positive environment to live in. We will always invest in ways to make this city more beautiful, and we are thrilled to unveil this new mural here in Lanning Square.”

Sonia Plaza, executive director of El Centro Day Care, shared how the mural has already affected the community in a good way.

“This has a very positive impact on our neighborhood, children, and the community,” Plaza said. “People have come from other cities to admire the work and their spirits are lifted when they see these positive changes.”