Explore the Description and history of this artwork.
In July 2020, the city announced a contest for local artists to participate. Mayor Erin Mendenhall said: We want to make it clear that Salt Lake City believes Black Lives Matter and is committed to real change in our community. We're taking this symbolic step as a city to boldly acknowledge this movement and commit to our role in it. An important part of this for us is creating a space where artists and community members are able to come together to express their feelings on this movement.
Design submissions were accepted during July 8–15. On July 16, a committee selected and announced artists to fill in the outlined 16-letter phrase. Panelists included Mendenhall, Black Lives Matter Utah founder Lex Scott, council member Ana Valdemoros, and creative director Chris Owens. The city intended the mural to be temporary but digitally preserved.The mural was painted by eight artists, sometimes credited as the Black Artists Collective or Utah Black Artists Collective, on August 4. Each artist painted two letters of "Black Lives Matter" and received a $300 stipend for supplies. According to KSTU's Elle Thomas, "each letter is unique. Some feature historical moments, others displaying current events and some promoting all-inclusivity amid diversity." Owens painted Breonna Taylor within the "B". Veronica Zak painted a "T". Pablo Abarca, Donovan Guerrero, Emma Lamae, Liz Lambson, Abigail Rodriguez, and Chloe and Gretel Tam were also selected.
Salt Lake City Black Lives Matter Breonna Taylor Erin Mendenhall KSTU Utah