Bloomberg's Asphalt Art Initiative guides urban regeneration through street painting

The Asphalt Art Initiative, promoted by Bloomberg Philanthropies, aims to help cities improve road safety, revitalize public spaces, and engage communities through art and design. Former New York City mayor Michael R. Bloomberg stated that public art can reshape how people experience cities, citing his 12-year tenure (2001–2013) where art improved streets and safety. Launched in October 2019, the initiative provides an Asphalt Art Guide with case studies from cities worldwide, and grants up to $25,000 for 10 small to mid-sized U.S. cities (population 30,000–500,000) to implement projects. Applications close December 12, 2019; winners announced spring 2020; projects completed by year-end. The guide, produced by Bloomberg Associates Transportation and Cultural Assets Management with Street Plans Collaborative and public art consultant Renee Piechocki, is free at AsphaltArt.bloomberg.org. Participating cities include Asheville, Oakland, Pittsburgh, Athens, Bogotá, and Milan. In Milan, the 'Piazze Aperte' project, in collaboration with Bloomberg Associates, has transformed Piazza Dergano, Piazza Angilberto, Porta Genova, and Spoleto-Venini (NoLo) with new furniture and decorations. A public call closed November 20, 2019, yielded 65 proposals; those near schools and public services will be prioritized for 2020 implementation. Proposals will be presented at Milan's Urban Center in January 2020.