The City of Lakeland's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Advisory Board convened on January 9, 2025, to discuss several exciting art initiatives aimed at enhancing the city's cultural landscape. A significant focus of the meeting was the collaboration with the Polk County Tax Collector's office to create murals on the rear walls of their building. Two renderings have been received, and the project is set to move forward pending final agreements with the artists involved.

The murals will not only beautify the building but also serve as a platform for raising awareness about vitiligo, a skin condition. Mayor Tanya Johnson has expressed interest in a mural that represents this condition, and discussions are underway to incorporate this theme into the upcoming project. The initiative highlights the city's commitment to public art and community engagement, with the murals positioned to be accessible to pedestrians and visible to traffic.

Additionally, the board discussed another art project in collaboration with the Florida Wildlife Corridor, which aims to create a wildlife mural in Polk County. The RP Funding Center has agreed to host this mural, which will replace an existing one. The project has garnered significant interest, with 82 artist submissions received so far. Funding for this initiative has been secured through a $15,000 grant from the wildlife corridor organization.

These art projects reflect Lakeland's ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces and promote community involvement in the arts. The CRA Advisory Board's initiatives not only aim to beautify the city but also to foster awareness and appreciation for diverse themes and issues within the community. As these projects progress, they are expected to contribute positively to the city's cultural identity and public engagement with the arts.