• by Larissa Faw , July 23, 2020

Chemistry is teaming with non-profit Big Facts Small Acts (BFSA) and Atlanta filmmaker Sherri Daye Scott to launch a movement that defaces iconic street murals in the Big Peach, all with the artists’ approval.

The “Masking Murals” concept serves as grassroots initiative to help spread awareness around the importance of wearing a mask within disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities.

Per the project, artists are being recruited to tweak their original postings to include masks on their images. For instance, a giant picture of a local Atlanta artist Brian Brando wearing an Atlanta hat now reveals him wearing a giant mask. In addition to altering their original pieces, all artists post these altered images across social media.

Scott initially used her stimulus check for the non-profit BFSA to educate people about mask usage. While shopping for groceries, she saw her nervous and anxious clerk having to interact with mostly non-mask wearing customers. She says she knew “something” had to be done to better reach the Black and Brown communities that are being hit the hardest by COVID-19.

Scott reached out to Chemistry for some help coming up with creative ways to reach this audience.

Serving as BFSA’s pro bono agency, the Atlanta-based shop suggested partnering with artists to “deface” their iconic murals throughout the city, masking them as meaningful reminders of how to protect the community. With Scott and Chemistry both having strong connections with artists in the Atlanta community, some of Atlanta’s most well-known street artists were happy to get on board, support this cause and help #CoverOurCommunity, explains a Chemistry representative.

The agency’s support also included management, resources and logistics for the mural alterations.

The artwork is currently focused in Atlanta’s Southwest and Southeast neighborhoods with heavy Black and Latino populations. Chemistry has also created statement masks for the community, working with BFSA leaders to distribute them during protests and in voting lines (now on sale here.

The team involved with this project has made it a goal to expand into other hard-hit cities to create a larger impact and continue to spread this important message through art and culture.