Since Governor Greg Abbott ordered the removal of decorative crosswalks, community leaders have been looking for alternatives to display art and community pride.
The Dallas Department of Arts and Culture is seeking ideas and feedback from residents during the month of April. The ball is rolling as they brainstorm how to show neighborhood personality and identity through art.
Oak Lawn resident Jackie Law attended Friday night’s engagement session at Reverchon Recreation Center. She said seeing the decorative crosswalks in her neighborhood removed was disturbing.
“It was disappointing to hear that they were cast as a safety hazard when as a resident who walks and drives around the neighborhood regularly, I’ve never felt that they impeded my ability to walk or get around,” she said.
These engagement sessions, hosted by the Dallas Office of Arts and Culture, are a response to what’s largely known as the “crosswalk mandate.”
In October, Governor Greg Abbott directed all cities and counties to remove any and all “political ideologies” from their streets. In a statement, the Governor said, “Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not advance political agendas on Texas roadways.”
The release went on to say, “any city that refuses to comply with the federal road standards will face consequences, including the withholding or denial of state and federal road funding and suspension of agreements with TxDOT.”
Now discussions are underway about what is permissible and how public art can still be incorporated in public spaces.
Martine Philippe, Director of Arts and Culture for the City of Dallas, has helped guide the conversations.
“We are really grateful to see how passionate our residents and neighbors are about bout the type of markers and art experiences that make them feel welcomed, that make them feel included, that make them feel like they belong, that make them feel like they’re celebrated and amplified where they live and work” said Philippe.
During the community engagement sessions, attendees were invited to submit ideas while taking note of what other cities have done. Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Moreno says several ideas are being considered.
“Art has many different forms. Art can be through a park bench. Art can be through storytelling. Art can be through actual murals. And so, there’s many ways to express art. So that’s the guidance we’re getting tonight from our community members,” said Moreno.
Ultimately, the Department of Transportation will determine which concept will be suitable and in compliance.
“Crosswalks, unfortunately, won’t be a way for us to do it, but there’s a lot of other ways,” said Law.
The Department of Arts and Culture has asked Dallas residents to submit ideas through an online survey by the end of the month.
