Known for its colourful murals and graffiti blanketing the town, Wynwood art district is one of the most popular street art communities in the world. However, it has not always been like this.

In the 1980s, the area was described as a crime-ridden, industrial wasteland, almost forgotten by the city of Miami. This was heightened by the famous 1980 race riots in Miami. Today, tourists walking the streets would be surprised by its dark past, a stark contrast to its vibrant walls of today.

Wynwood has been transformed into a global hub for street art, providing a unique blend of history, creativity, and culture.

Kingston’s growing art scene has the potential to learn from Wynwood’s vibrant street art in several ways. Wynwood’s success is built on a foundation of respect for art and the artists involved. The community has admirably fostered a culture of appreciation for street art, recognising its value as a form of expression and its world-renowned contribution to the neighbourhood’s identity.

This reverence for art has encouraged healthy competitiveness among artists from all over the world to create ambitious and innovative works. And it works, having rewarded the neighbourhood with a never-ending stream of tourists and driving economic benefits.

During a street tour by Wynwood Buggies, local guide and graffiti artist Danny Antelo emphasised that many artists risk their lives to get on the walls, and have to build a reputation before they can become a top ‘writer’.

“Also, you can’t paint over someone unless you can do something better,” he said. “The rule of the streets is that you must clean the wall off and make your graffiti so much better that no one remembers the old painting. That’s how you show respect.”

While Wynwood has successfully commercialised street art, it has done so in a way that preserves the authenticity of the scene. Antelo shared how businesses have contributed to the commercial art scene by paying artists to paint on their walls, which in turn provides free advertising for the artists. In addition, artists are purposeful on strategic merchandising featuring their designs at an affordable cost for visitors.

The art walk in downtown Kingston can emulate Wynwood’s approach by promoting a culture of respect for art, fostering partnerships between artists and businesses, and ensuring that commercialisation is done in a way that benefits both artists and the community.

Additionally, Kingston can learn from Wynwood’s experience in attracting tourists with street art. By showcasing local and international talent, and creating engaging public art experiences, Kingston can position itself as a must-see destination for art enthusiasts and visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences. This influx of tourists can generate economic benefits for the local businesses and contribute to the overall revitalisation of downtown Kingston.

However, it is important to note that tourism also presents potential challenges, “a double edged sword” described by Antelo. He bemoaned the price of his rent ballooning over the years due to foreign investors buying up property, further driving up cost of living in the area, as well as the need to manage the flow of visitors.

By carefully considering these factors and learning from Wynwood’s experiences, downtown Kingston can harness the power of street art to drive economic growth and enhance its cultural identity.

The roots of Miami’s street art culture can be traced back to the 1970s when graffiti artists began leaving their mark on the city’s walls and, while Kingston’s art scene is young, Jamaicans in the art scene can learn from early.

Recognising the creative potential of Wynwood, real estate developer Tony Goldman opened Wynwood Walls, an open-air gallery, in 2009, enforcing that, without good investment from the public and private sector, the plan will not succeed. Goldman believed that street art could help revitalise the abandoned warehouses in Miami’s Wynwood area into a vibrant destination. He was not wrong.

While on tour, guests were able to appreciate the street art as well as hand-picked artists who were invited by Goldwyn to paint the Wynwood Walls. The tour of Wynwood Walls offers a more interactive digital experience, Wynwood Buggies provides a more immersive tour, allowing visitors to explore the entire district and learn about the artists and their work.

If looking for a unique and inspiring experience, Wynwood is a must-visit. The vibrant street art scene offers a glimpse into a world of creativity and expression. By understanding the history and culture of this fascinating neighbourhood, you can appreciate the artistry and passion that has transformed it into a global destination.