Bloomington BLM Mural Removed by Private Owner

The City of Bloomington said Monday that the recent removal of a Black Lives Matter mural from a building wall at 501 E Kirkwood Ave. was the property owner's decision to make.

The wall is privately owned. The new owner chose to paint a different mural and has the right to determine the wall's appearance, according to a statement from the Office of the Mayor.

In 2017, the Bloomington Arts Commission commissioned a mural titled "You Belong Here." In 2020, following George Floyd's killing, someone added the words "Black Lives Matter" without authorization. The altered mural remained for nearly six years until the property sold.

City staff, the Arts Commission, the original artist, and previous property owners discussed the mural's future but made no final decision. "The City remains committed to supporting public art, community expression, and spaces that reflect Bloomington's values of belonging, dignity, and shared civic life," the statement said.

For questions, contact Desiree DeMolina, communications director in the Office of the Mayor, at [email protected] or 812-349-3406.