The visual art installation consists of 10 banners spanning 360 linear feet, and includes contributions from ten local Burlington artists. BTV photos.
Vermont Business Magazine Today, the City of Burlington held a press conference to officially unveil a 360-foot visual art installation now covering the fence around Memorial Auditorium, which showcases works from ten local artists.
The installation is part of a larger initiative by the City of Burlington to address the persistent challenge of tagging on Memorial Auditorium. This initiative, led by Burlington City Arts (BCA) in coordination with the Department of Permitting & Inspections, and with $14,000 in funding from the City Council, aims to beautify the space around one of Burlington’s most treasured landmarks, which is often referred to as the “gateway” to the city.
The red brick building also had been covered with graffiti.
“I am grateful for the work of our City staff to bring forward this beautification initiative, and for the funding support of the City Council,” said Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. “This vibrant visual art display will beautify a gateway to Burlington, welcoming visitors and residents alike as we envision the future of the Memorial Block.”
“When BCA was tasked with the project of beautifying Memorial Auditorium – a space that once held our studios and offices – our team was more than eager to dive in” said Burlington City Arts Executive Director Doreen Kraft. “We looked to pilot a solution that could deter further tagging, celebrate Burlington’s identity as a creative community, and create a more welcoming atmosphere on one of the gateway blocks to our downtown.”
About Memorial Auditorium
Built in 1927 to honor World War I veterans, Memorial Auditorium was a public auditorium and civic center in the heart of downtown Burlington. It was closed in 2016 due to structural safety concerns as a result of many decades of deferred maintenance. Several attempts have been made in recent years to reenvision the future of Memorial Auditorium. In 2024, the City of Burlington entered into a Pre-Development Agreement with local developers Eric Farrell and Joe Larkin, kicking off a public-private partnership to explore the redevelopment of the Memorial Block. Work continues under the pre-development agreement, and City staff are working with the development team to provide a community update on the project in the coming months.
More information about Memorial Auditorium and the Pre-Development Agreement can be found on the City website.
About the 360’ Visual Display
With the goal of emphasizing messages of welcome and celebrating Burlington’s identity as a creative community, BCA collaborated with ten Burlington area artists and licensed their work to create a series of ten banners totaling 360 linear feet which now hang on the fence surrounding Memorial Auditorium along Main Street and South Union Street. Accompanied by the message “Welcome to Burlington” in multiple languages, these banners transform the construction fencing into a vibrant visual installation that celebrates Burlington’s creative spirit and deters vandalism. Offering a meaningful enhancement to one of Burlington's most prominent public sites, this installation will have a lasting impact as the community looks forward to future redevelopment of Memorial Block.
Featured artists include: Amanda Amend, Jay Ashman, Giovanina Bucci, Liz Buchanan, Brian Drourr, Kimberlee Forney, Judd Lamphere, Matt Larson, Carrie Marr, and Ken Russack.
The photo above shows Memorial Auditorium with the artwork installed in July 2025, while the photo below shows the main entrance in June 2025. Vermontbiz photo.
7.24.2025. BURLINGTON, Vt. – City of Burlington
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