The scheduled Black Lives Matter mural set to be painted on a street in East Nashville was reportedly approved on Thursday as long as it meets one requirement.
The temporary mural was given the green light by the Metro Arts Board of Commissioners as long as its privately funded, FOX 17 News' Harriet Wallace reports.
Organizers have said the mural is a self-funded project made possible by donations from community members and groups, however, any grants that the group applied for while planning the project may halt the painting until the Metro Finance board can release the funds, FOX 17 News reports.
"Metro Arts, like other city departments, is under a directive from Metro Finance to halt operational spending and contracts as we await the Chancery Court decision on the property tax referendum," officials told FOX 17 News on Thursday.
On Tuesday, organizers of a Black Lives Matter mural scheduled to be painted in East Nashville are reportedly getting the necessary pieces together days before the project begins.
Hundreds of pieces have been gathered in preparation of the initial paint day, which is set for Saturday afternoon, FOX 17 News reports.
A group of artists led by muralist Thaxton Waters II plan to paint the mural along Woodland Avenue between North 1st Street and Interstate Drive next to Juvenile Court and Nissan Stadium, John Smith Marketing confirmed to FOX 17 News earlier this month.
"We are reclaiming a tiny portion of city space used and profited predominantly by a society that has prevented the fair use and fair share of Black dollars and presence in this city," the group said during a press conference earlier this month via FOX 17 News."The BLACK LIVES MATTER mural for Nashville is one of the rare opportunities to reclaim dignity for Black people in this region, to amplify their movement for justice, and to visibly resound the demand that we will matter, for justice is sorely needed for the good of the nation."
The mural will include large, bold letters similar to previously painted murals featured in several other cities including Knoxville, New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Tulsa and Eugene, FOX 17 News reports. Additionally, the "B" will include red, black and green, representing the Pan-African flag, the "L" will include colors of the rainbow to represent the LGBTQ community and the "M" will include music notes in honor of Music City.
There is also a separate ongoing effort to have a Black Lives Matter mural featured outside the Tennessee Capitol building at the intersection of Charlotte Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Nashville, which has reached its initial goal of 1,000 signatures and is now aiming for 1,500, according to Change.org.
Organizers of the mural confirmed it is a self-funded project made possible through donations the community.
"Supporters and sponsors are answering the appeal to volunteer and donate to the creation of artwork that we look to elevate the message that Black Lives are in need of opportunities without fears that clearly do not impinge on white neighbors. Concerns that residents tax dollars will be used to fund the project were always rumors," Grace Gadson of John Smith Marketing said via FOX 17 News.
The project is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.
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