Bridgeport is a city known for its wealth of cultural history and continues to transform its urban landscape through many large public art installations. The Colorful Bridgeport initiative, launched in 2022, has brought nearly 40 murals to city streets, and organizers are determined to establish the initiative permanently as a key part of Bridgeport’s identity.
The initiative, also spearheaded by the Bridgeport’s Office of Planning and Economic Development and the Downtown Special Services District, draws inspiration from other nationally recognized mural programs and from those in Philadelphia.
Last year, Bridgeport unveiled the Hi-Ho Towers mural on North Avenue, a collaborative effort between the city and the family of Easton Selectman Nicholas D’Addario whose great-grandfather founded Hi-Ho Energy Industries in 1927. The company’s iconic towers have since become a recognizable landmark on Bridgeport’s skyline.
“My family and I were happy to partner with the city of Bridgeport to help preserve and artistically enhance one of the landmarks of the Bridgeport skyline,” said D’Addario who serves as president of Hi-Ho Energy Services, a division of Hi-Ho Energy Industries.
The objectives of Colorful Bridgeport is to celebrate local artists, create more public art opportunities and establish Bridgeport as an arts and entertainment hub.
“We recognize we’re in a really special situation, having the amphitheater, the arena, live entertainment venues and a thriving arts culture,” said Johnathan Delgado, senior economic development associate. “And we want to use local artists and expand the reach of the city.”
Jonathan O’Grodnick, professional muralist and Bridgeport native, said while the emphasis was strongly on downtown for the initial couple of years, the movement outside the area definitively began in 2024.
“Over the last two years, we successfully finished 27 projects, and we’re close to completing 40 pieces overall,” he said. “Our goal is to make this continuing initiative a permanent part of the city’s landscape.”
Created by Octavio Logo. Commissioned by the City of Bridgeport. Submitted photo
The art initiative in Bridgeport focuses on getting the whole community involved. It does this through working with all of the local artists. Many international muralists, including from Australia, have participated in and improved the project. To guarantee each mural complements the character and vision of its location, artists and building owners work together when choosing it.
The city is accepting applications from all artists for multiple forthcoming mural projects through a Request for Expressions of Interest that is open until March 15 through the Bridgeport’s Office of Planning and Economic Development’s website. The initial project planned for each season in 2025 is progressing, along with the mural at the Bridgeport Public Library — first started during every prior year — and scheduled to be the earliest piece completed this year.
The organizers anticipate continued expansion of the initiative. A larger amount of murals each year will improve the city’s public spaces as well. O’Grodnick said the aim is for public art to become a fixture within Bridgeport.
“We are setting up all of the infrastructure so that all people interact with the city through art, and this continues far beyond our careers,” he said.
From FCN partner Easton Courier.
