The Great Wall by Judy Baca

“The Great Wall,” is both a magnificent mural and a model for producing participatory public art. “The Great Wall,” considered by many to be the world’s longest mural, was painted over many summers from 1976 – 1983 under the direction of Chicana artist, Judy Baca. The mural, which is approximately half a mile long, consists of forty panels depicting the history of California, from the beginning of time to the 1950s, with special attention to the roles of ethnic groups and their many contributions and experiences. Over 700 people were involved in painting the mural, including 400 youth. Baca created the first mural program in Los Angeles, which is responsible for producing hundreds of murals, one of the city’s key mediums for public and socially relevant art in the city. The Los Angeles City Council has agreed to preserve The Great Mural. www.sparcmurals.org/.