In 2014, the 100 Gates Project set out to connect local businesses on the Lower East Side with artists and did so by creating a partnership where artists were allowed to create murals on the roll-down security gates of 100 storefronts. It took over two years to complete but in September 2016, the project celebrated its 100th mural on the gate of the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen. Following the positive reception of the public art exhibition, the 100 Gates Project is now bringing their public art initiative to Harlem and Staten Island.

With the support of the city’s Department of Small Business Service’s Neighborhood 360 grant, the Lower East Side Partnership, who is overseeing the project, will connect businesses in East Harlem and Downtown Staten Island with artists to install 50 murals on security gates within each neighborhood.

The project is currently seeking artists to participate through its open calls. They hope to begin connecting artists with businesses by this spring and all new 100 murals should be completed within a year and a half.

Below is an idea of the kind of art East Harlem and Staten Island local businesses can expect to receive on their gates. Images are of the murals found around the Lower East Side.