Identification

The many types of street art and graffiti also not only create an open space for discussion but it creates a sense of identity within the community members. In many areas where social divide is common, many studies have found that through murals the communities were able to find their voice and identity. In Timor-Leste, a country that had been occupied by both Portugal and Indonesia, the citizens experienced cultural differences when they finally declared independence in 2002. As the different cultures collided, there was a great divide between the older and younger generation. As the country developed their political and cultural scene, the older community failed to give voice to the younger community. Due to their lack of representation, the artists in the younger generation used street art as a medium to criticize the problems of the developing nation. Through the art they created, Geração Foun, the name they call themselves, was able to create an identity within the younger community. As the street art caught the attention of the public, the artists were able to give themselves the recognition they needed.

Although in countries like Timor-Leste, street art was gave them the power to express their opinions and voice to the rest of the community, Studies have found that in poor Philadelphia neighborhoods, the presence of art in the city caused a positive reaction within the community members. As art was introduced into the neighborhoods, the residents took more interest towards their cities and made more of an effort to make their streets more presentable. The more effort they put into making their home a more open environment, their “participation in arts projects provides a focus for social activity, an opportunity to make friends, develop networks and reduce social isolation” (Coalter 2001) As they develop a stronger bond between their community members, the city itself creates their own distinct identity with their neighbors. Through the public display of the street art that depicts the issues the community faces, the residents are more aware of the diverse cultures and opinions in their city, which in turn gives the city a source of identification.