'A New View-Camden' public art installation raises awareness about illegal dumping in Camden, New Jersey

Thursday, April 22, 2021
CAMDEN, New Jersey (WPVI) -- City officials in Camden, New Jersey, marked Earth Day by unveiling "A New View-Camden," a six-month-long public art installation raising awareness about the problem of illegal dumping.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place along East State Street in the Cramer Hill section of the city.
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The masterminds behind that piece are the artists from Tyler FuQua Creations.

The art is made with actual scraps people illegally discarded.

"It's unfortunate when people use communities as a trash dump. So the hope is that this brings some pride to the community," said artist Jason Hutchinson.

The project was funded by a $1 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge. Other features include a massive feline and a machine that utilizes mealworms to eat Styrofoam packing.



The goal is to transform the city from being a notorious dumpsite.
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Camden Mayor Frank Moran says a lot of the blame is due to outsiders.

"Illegal dumping costs this city upwards of $4 million a year. That's a lot of money that could go into park maintenance," he said. "That's a lot of money that could go into resurfacing roads."

The public art installations will remain up through October.

"Public art contributes to a community's identity. It fosters community pride and a sense of belonging," said Camden County Commissioner Jeffrey Nash.
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