Bangor City Council approves waterfront concert mural project despite review violations

The Bangor City Council meeting on July 14, 2025, focused on the ongoing waterfront concert fence mural project, which has sparked community debate regarding its approval process and artistic content. The murals, part of a third amendment to a lease agreement with Waterfront Concerts, were initially discussed at a business and economic development committee meeting in August 2024.

The amendment allows Waterfront Concerts to collaborate with the city’s community and economic development department to create a mural on a wooden fence facing Main Street. The final design must be reviewed by the Commission on Cultural Development and approved by the City Council. However, concerns were raised during the meeting about the approval process, as it was revealed that 20 local artists had already begun work on the murals without the required reviews.

Annette Dodd from Bangor Beautiful presented the project, stating that each mural is being painted by a different artist, each receiving a stipend of $450. The overarching theme is "Maine," with plans for a website to showcase the artists and their inspirations. However, as of the meeting date, there was no information available on the Bangor Beautiful website regarding the artists or their works.

Community member Justin Cartier expressed concerns about the lack of oversight in the approval process, noting that some artwork may contain questionable symbolism. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the review requirements to maintain public trust in the city’s cultural initiatives. The discussion highlighted a potential precedent for bypassing established review processes, raising questions about the integrity of future artistic projects in Bangor.

The meeting concluded with a call for greater transparency and adherence to the established guidelines for public art, as the murals remain on display for concertgoers and residents alike.