Comparing mural art policies and regulations (MAPRs):

Devising a new conceptual framework

Abstract

In recent decades, public murals have become a common phenomenon in urban landscapes around the world. This has encouraged local governments to establish Mural Art Policies and Regulations (MAPRs) that employ murals as an acceptable (and even desired) element in the municipal toolkit, while balancing a variety of interests. This paper discusses why and how municipalities regulate and facilitate the creation of murals. It advocates a better understanding of mural art strategies, through comparative analysis of mural policies in different cities. To facilitate comparison, we argue that a conceptual framework is essential. Such a framework enables practitioners, policy-analysts, and decision-makers to identify, compare, and understand different features in mural art policies adopted by different cities around the globe.