The Tompkins Ave Block Association (TBA) is a collective of neighbors rooted right here in Bedstuy, along Tompkins Ave.
We are excited and grateful to partner with a local property owner and a team of amazing artists to lead our first community-driven public art project.
A mural, reflective of the energy and essence of this community, will transform a blank wall into a large-scale shared visual landmark at the corner of Tompkins Ave and Jefferson Ave.
The design Story
The mural is centered around the theme: Past, Present, Future
Weaving together cultural memory, present-day community life, and a vibrant vision for what's to come.
Past: Historic neighborhood staples, like the former Meat Market and the trolley that once ran along Tompkins Ave, honoring the everyday places and stories that shaped this corridor.
Present: Community life today, music, movement, local culture, connection, and the vibrant energy that continues to define Bedstuy in real time.
Future: A bright, forward-looking vision rooted in creativity, resilience, pride, and the continued evolution through community.
Throughout the mural, subtle references to neighborhood institutions and cultural touchstones will be woven into the visual storytelling, reflecting both the legacy and living spirit of this community.
Stylistically, the piece blends mosaic storytelling with Harlem Renaissance and Art Deco influences, using bold, vibrant color palettes to evoke warmth, vitality, imagination, and hope for the future.
Why This Matters
This project is more than just a mural.
In a neighborhood experiencing rapid change, we believe public art can serve as a point of reflection; a way to honor the people, stories, culture, and everyday moments that have shaped Tompkins Ave and Bedstuy as a whole across generations.
This mural is intended to spark connection, conversation, memory, and imagination. It’s about preserving spirit while also creating space to think deeply about the future we want for this community.
We hope this wall becomes more than something people pass by, but becomes a place where stories are exchanged, conversations are had, and community continues to be built in real time.
Supporting this project means supporting local artists, cultural storytelling, and a living vision for Bedstuy rooted in creativity, care, and collective memory.
Findraising Goal:
Our goal is to raise $25,000 to bring this mural to life. Starting with an initial goal of $12,500, which will increase as we reach that milestone.
Funds will go toward:
- Paying Artists (supporting a team of 4–8 local muralists)
- Materials and paint
- Wall preparation and installation
- Landscaping around the mural footprint
- A community celebration in honor of this new public art
How You Can Help:
This is a chance to be part of something long-lasting and impactful!
Every contribution, big or small, helps make this project possible.
Please donate + share to support Bedsuy public art and the continued transformation of Tompkins Ave, rooted in its rich and dynamic history.
Find us on Instagram @BedstuyBlockAssociation
Below is a scaled mock-up of the artwork
Organizer
