Large mural celebrating Bangladeshi history and culture planned for Hamtramck

A state-sponsored placemaking initiative is helping raise funds for a public art project in the city of Hamtramck.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is partnering with Peace Action Education Fund and OneHamtramck on the “Bangladesh: Coming to America” mural project in Hamtramck. Organizers will commission muralist MARKA27 to paint a large mural on the east wall of the Bridge Academy West school on the Hamtramck-Detroit border.

The “Bangladesh: Coming to America” mural will be a tribute to Bangladeshi history and culture. Organizers say that the mural will be the first large outdoor Bangladesh-themed mural in the United States. The targeted wall measures 55 by 45 feet.

“OneHamtramck is proud to once again produce a large mural for a community of people who deserve more attention and respect,” said OneHamtramck executive director Bill Meyer. “Our previous mural has become a symbol for the Yemeni Arab Muslims that have been severely marginalized since their arrival to the area in the 1950s. It has become a beacon drawing world attention to the existence of a proud and productive community.”

The mural project has been announced as part of Public Spaces Community Places, a placemaking program from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity. As a part of the program, mural organizers have until April 15 to raise $22,000 through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. Should they succeed in their fundraising goal, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will then contribute an additional $22,000 matching grant.

Click here to view the status of the “Bangladesh: Coming to America” crowdfunding campaign.

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