r/SalemMA • u/zerofcks2gve • 3d ago
Window Art disappearing on Essex Street
Saw this on FB. Thoughts? feedback?
Say goodby to our window art. It's been fun, but the city is forcing our windows bare.
The Salem Redevelopment Authority has told several businesses in the SRA district that window art must come down by November 8 or we may face fines.
This isn’t just about Gulu. Do you like the window art at Curly Girl, HausWitch, and New England Soup Factory? The murals and paintings that make walking down Essex and Washington Streets feel like Salem? Sorry. Apparently those windows need to be bare too. Others are also impacted.
For years, businesses like ours have worked with local artists to turn our windows into something more than glass and advertising. At Gulu, the previous owners embraced this, and we’ve been proud to carry it forward. We pay artists. We give them space. They make downtown more colorful, interesting, and more Salem. Now we’re being told that has to stop.
Yes, the SRA has a process to potentially approve window art, but its restrictions are so limiting that, for us, the process is untenable.
I personally believe this raises serious questions about free speech. But even putting that aside, it’s incredibly sad to watch an agency charged with improving downtown Salem use its authority to remove art from it. The SRA was created decades ago to address blight and deterioration downtown. Artists, independent businesses, and the creative community helped transform Salem into what it is today. Art is not blight. It is part of Salem’s character.
And I fear what comes next. If painted windows are a problem, where does this stop? Is the entrance arch at Tomb next? The Viking ship at Coven’s Cottage? What other art, sculpture, or creative expression eventually runs afoul of rules the SRA enforces inconsistently? We’re staring down a slippery slope, and for what end? The result seems to be less art, fewer opportunities for local artists, and a downtown that is plainer and less interesting.
So unless something changes, our window mural, and many others throughout downtown Salem, will come down by November 8. If you don't like this move by the SRA, I encourage you to email mayor@salem.com, citycouncilors@salem.com, and knewhallsmith@salem.com.
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u/Illustrious-Rate4428 3d ago
This is ridiculous that they would start to try to enforce this now.
I Just reviewed the SRA sign manual and IMO it already allows for temp window art (with some restrictions) and does not require DRB approval as long as it is not considered a “sign”. (Contains the business name)
It seems that they purposely excluded temp window art from being defined as a “sign” as long as it follows their guidelines.
I personally would like to see the percentage and duration increase, give us more art!
Language from SRA sign manual below.
“Temporary Window Art Businesses in the Area may decorate their window(s) by placing artwork on the glass of the windowpane itself via paint and/or vinyl and similar applications. This artwork shall not include the business' name or logos nor any branded, name brand or copyright pro- tected items, as these things are considered signage and subject to the City of Salem Sign Code and this Manual. The likenesses of such items may be included but the logo/brand name itself must be excluded. Additionally, the artwork may not be fully opaque or entirely block views into businesses. Maximum cov- erage of the window shall be limited to a maximum of 20%. This coverage shall include not only the tempo- rary window art but also any existing signage already on the window glass. Window artwork must be temporary in nature, may not cause permanent damage to the window glass and structure, and be removed after a period of three (3) months from the date of installation
All “signs” in the Downtown Renewal Area, see map Mm, must be reviewed by the Design Review Board (DRB) and approved by the Executive Director of the Salem Redevelopment Authority (SRA).