Youth design program will continue paying student participants during shutdown

Publicolor will continue to pay participants during the COVID-19 shutdown. Photo courtesy of Publicolor

By Rachel Vick

A citywide public art program will continue to pay stipends to its student participants despite the COVID-19 shutdown.

Publicolor, an organization that creates large murals in public spaces around the city, said it will continue paying stipends to 125 students even though the arts program is currently on pause. The organization said the money could help alleviate financial burdens and food insecurity for students and their families.

“We are so proud of the moments of visual beauty we have already brought to low-income neighborhoods all over the city,” said Publicolor founder and president Ruth Lande Shuman. “Color can represent caring, respect, energy, and inspiration. Art and music are even more important constants in times of chaos and uncertainty.”

Workshops and tutoring sessions will take place online while use of public transportation is discouraged, but the office will remain open with minimal staff. When social distancing restrictions are lifted, participants will be expected to work on Sundays to make up for lost time, the organization said.

Students who participate bring color to public spaces throughout the city — including a large wall that supports the Long Island Rail Road tracks across from the Corona Academy of Arts and Sciences. The youth development program teaches commercial painting skills and work habits.

Publicolor said it will also deliver food to students in Harlem, the Bronx and Brooklyn twice a week.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the number of people receiving stipends from Publicolor. It is 125, not 900.