The municipality of Tilburg has come up with a new approach to prevent buildings in the municipality from being filled with graffiti. Instead of removing “offensive” graffiti, extra graffiti is now being sprayed on walls in the form of street art. An additional 200,000 euros has been made available for the new approach.
Until now, the municipality only removed graffiti on a number of viaducts, in the city center, on street furniture and a number of buildings. Graffiti that is considered offensive is also removed. Graffiti was not removed in the rest of the center or in the neighborhoods and villages. From now on, a number of buildings and areas will be added.
Bridges and viaducts decorated with street art
In addition, the municipality is introducing a new approach to prevent graffiti. For example, bridges and viaducts are decorated with stickers and street art.
In addition, new locations are being sought where legal street art can be sprayed. The municipality believes this will prevent graffiti in other places. Enforcement officers and youth workers are also engaging with people who spray graffiti.
The municipality based its new approach on reports, measurements and opinions from Tilburg. An analysis has been made that should show where the graffiti approach is most needed.
Annually, 550,000 euros to tackle graffiti
Discussions have also been held with entrepreneurs, street artists, youth workers and neighborhood managers. With the additional money available, the municipality now has over 550,000 euros annually to tackle graffiti.