How This One Street Hosts Jamaica's Most Eclectic Street Art
![Mural by Patasha](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/13220574_1019684968138940_3971546179193008718_o.webp)
One of the most popular projects on the Jamaican contemporary art scene is the Paint Jamaica project, which has transformed the once-abandoned Fleet Street in Kingston into the most electric, art-covered street in the city. Learn more about the social street art project and the idea behind it from the founder, Marianna Farag.
CT: What is the story behind the creation of Paint Jamaica?
MF: I was always an avid traveller and a lover of art, so when I visited Jamaica in 2014 I sought out art centres, museums and artists. My search led me to Parade Gardens, an inner-city community in Kingston, where Fleet Street is located. I started to meet a lot of artists, and realised that the art scene here was incredible. Then I thought, “Why don’t we use street art to uplift communities in need?” That’s how the idea came to be.
![Art by Taj Francis](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/13268444_1025777297529707_6137797920214960557_o.webp)
CT: When did the project start?
MF: In April 2014, Paint Jamaica was just a thought. The project really didn’t start until July 2014, when we created two projects, each lasting about 10 to 15 days.
![Art by Becky Levy](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/944906_990496231057814_2653468356620123718_n.webp)
CT: Who are the artists involved in Paint Jamaica?
MF: The murals are created by local professional artists and the residents of Parade Gardens. Taj Francis, Kokab Zohoori-Dossa, Matthew McCarthy, Paige Taylor, Jordanne Brandy and Randy Richards are a few of the artists that have contributed. There are many others.
![Fleet Street – Paint Jamaica](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/11402303_821487131292059_2944523773119072346_o.webp)
CT: Are there any plans to expand beyond Fleet Street?
MF: Yes – as well as outside of Jamaica. There is a complete imbalance in the number of artists in Jamaica versus the outlets available to showcase their talents. We’re working on that.
![Art by Djet Layne](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/10830784_707748195999287_7582334908578522944_o.webp)
![Art by Patasha](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1398222_707748772665896_7389438869627705335_o.webp)
Visit Paint Jamaica’s Facebook page to discover more of the stunning artwork you can find on Fleet Street.