GoFundMe Started For New Mural That Shows Napervlle's Diversity

NAPERVILLE, IL — A GoFundMe has been started to create new artwork in downtown Naperville that shows the city's diversity. The fundraiser comes as a petition has been circulating to change a Naperville mural that the petition starter dubbed the "Wall of Exclusion" for its apparent lack of people of color.

Whereas the petition, which has more than 40,000 signatures, aims to change the mural, the GoFundMe aims to create a new, independent mural illustrating the city's diverse population.

Proceeds from the GoFundMe will be donated to Century Walk Naperville, the public art initiative behind much of the downtown area's murals, sculptures and other artwork.

The GoFundMe reads, "We will show the world that our community cares, that we represent our diverse backgrounds, and that our community stands up for the rights of all Napervillians and Americans. And we can do it without forgetting our past and where we came from or by changing our past artwork."

The description goes on to call for donations from each Naperville citizen.

It reads, "It's time for all of us to stand up and make a difference. Any donation will help and make an impact. If every Napervillian contributed just $1, we can make a statement as a community that we stand together for this cause. Public art lasts for generations and it will be our message to the future."

At press time, the GoFundMe, which has a goal of $100,000, has gathered more than $6,000.

Patch is a GoFundMe promotional partner.