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Sustainable Graffiti Management Solutions for Public Areas

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Introduction

While Graffiti is considered an expression of art for some people, there is still a fine line between art and vandalism. But where do we draw this line?

There had been a long debate whether Graffiti is a form of artistic expression using a public canvas or just mere images defacing walls, buildings, and facilities. There are countries around the world, the Netherlands for example, where Graffiti is highlighted as a part of cultural expression. Tourists visit these Graffiti areas, admiring the art and vision given by the images. On the other hand, some areas prohibit the creation of Graffiti on walls and other surfaces. Some states have existing laws making it a crime to create Graffiti in public areas.

Reactive VS Proactive Management Tactics

For areas where inappropriate Graffiti is a crime, authorities have crafted management solutions to lessen the cases of vandalism. There are two major divisions, reactive and proactive management tactics, which both aim to eradicate Graffiti in public areas. The difference between these two approaches is the timing of their application. For reactive solutions, these are applied after a Graffiti incident happens. For proactive solutions, these are plans and innovations that are applied to avoid people from creating Graffiti again.

Reactive Solutions

Reactive solutions are what we commonly see in the community. For the removal of unwanted Graffiti, a reliable Graffiti removal company to rapidly strip off the paints on a surface. Some widely used methods are manual scrubbing and painting over the Graffiti image. These are low-cost methods but often does not provide an efficient solution. Other options are high-pressure washing and blasting. These are two among the top-tier solutions. These methods may cost higher, but these are surefire ways to remove Graffiti.

Proactive Solutions

Proactive solutions are the better and more effective option towards sustainable management for Graffiti concerns. Proactive solutions have long term effects and significantly reduce cases of Graffiti in public areas. Here are some ways that can deter inappropriate Graffiti and vandalism.

Community Murals

This is an effective method of preventing people from creating Graffiti to express themselves at the expense of the neighborhood. With community murals, people can gather to create and express art in their own ways and forms. People can still make Graffiti, but this time with the correct message and intent.

Green Walls

Of course, one of the best ways to deter Graffiti is to occupy the walls of the buildings for other purposes. Green walls are a perfect way to cover a wall, not to mention the positive effect it will bring to the environment. Green walls are easy to maintain, and they also add up to the beauty of a neighborhood.

Landscaping Techniques

Another way to occupy walls for other purposes is the use of landscaping techniques. Landscaping is a good way to cover up parts of the wall with plants and flowers. Aside from the aesthetic value it can add, this will also help in keeping a greener community.

Legal Graffiti Spaces

People will most likely stop vandalizing public areas once they are given their own space to legally create Graffiti. To express art has always been the reason why Graffiti was created, but people used this medium to express vulgar and inappropriate messages instead. If authorities can set up a legal space for these activities, responsible artists can start creating Graffiti as an art. Authorities can also conveniently monitor other people who aim to create unwanted images and easily remove them.

Public Art Workshops

Authorities can also invest in seminars and workshops to teach people where to draw the line between art and vandalism. Graffiti art is pleasing to the eye, only when it is done with the right intention and at the right place. If the authorities will be able to relay this message to the community, it will become easier to deter Graffiti-related incidents.

Maintenance and Supervision

No matter how great the potential of any proactive management solution is, it will not work without proper maintenance and supervision from authorities. Authorities must commit to this job of fully deterring inappropriate Graffiti in public areas. Proactive solutions may cost higher at first, but it is a long-term solution that can be sustainable with the full support of the authorities and the whole community.

Conclusion

Graffiti had long existed on walls, streets, and subway stations since the 1970s. It can be considered as a part of the creative culture of an area. However, once people decide to use this medium to spread inappropriate messages, this draws the line between artistic expression and vandalism. And vandalism is punishable according to the law.

In order to avoid punishments and high costs to completely remove unwanted Graffiti, the community should instead invest in proactive solutions. These are the emerging plans and innovations for a future where Graffiti can always remain as a form of artistic expression rather than a punishable crime.

Created 29 Oct 2021
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Country United Kingdom
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Founder Kelly Wilson
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