Art endeavour turns neighbourhoods into canvas for spreading positivity

AMMAN — With the aim of adding aesthetic value to neighbourhoods and animating neglected areas, a community-based art initiative has turned the Amman suburb of Kherebet Al Souq into a canvas for a giant mural, offering a visual treat to its visitors and residents.

The Watan mural art initiative seeks to improve remote, rural and underserved areas by using colours “rooted in the Jordanian culture”, founder of the initiative Ahed Darawish told The Jordan Times on Saturday.

The art initiative, which started in Al Taybeh area in southeast Amman, improves accessibility to art by using “highly effective images and messages” with the help of the initiative’s team, local artists and conceptual painters, Darawish said.

The team is planning to paint other murals in south Amman in the near future to create a visible sense of identity and openness, the founder noted.

“Murals add an aesthetic value to buildings and streets walls, in addition to energising neglected places,” he said, adding that the initiative in Kherbat Al Souq took about two weeks to complete.

“Positive mental health is essential for youth. Effectively engaging them in initiatives promotes their development,” he added.

The founder stressed that the murals “are in line with national goals” and can help promote economic growth, increase tourism and enhance the lives of local residents.

“Replacing destructive graffiti drawn on public properties with therapeutic, creative and meaningful murals is very important,” Darawish said, adding: “Murals influence positivity.”