Detroit plans to expand efforts to create street art in blighted areas of the city.

The City Walls program began in 2017, hiring artists to paint murals in areas often targeted by vandals. It offers property owners who receive blight citations a chance to have a mural painted to "satisfy the remediation."

"Murals are a powerful tool in the fight against blight," said program manager Zachary Meers in a news release. "These murals serve as a deterrent to vandalism and can be used not only as a tool to encourage economic growth and community development but also as way to empower emerging artists."

So far, 19 murals have been painted, mainly in the Southwest, North End and West Village neighborhoods, with plans to a total of 60 murals painted with help from 25 artists.

What to expect for 2019

The Detroit General Services Department, which runs City Walls, is partnering with Summer in the City to engage residents with seven artists painting seven murals near various parks.

The city is also partnering with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation to launch a #AlwaysHandPaint for artists who specialize in hand-painted signs. Businesses will be paired with artists to produce a new painted sign for their emerging business. This program will coordinate with Motor City Re-store, a grant program to upgrade and improve commercial corridors and storefronts.

Building owners interested in requesting a mural can contact the city at citywalls@detroitmi.gov or 313-628-2363.