Manchester To Create Mural Paying Tribute To Immigrant Communities

MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester is getting ready to create a new mural that "pays tribute to the city's vibrant immigrant communities," the city announced Friday.

The artwork, to be brought to life by a Nashua-based nonprofit called Positive Street Art, "is a powerful statement of identity, resilience, community, and the importance of our public schools," officials said.

Positive Street Art, which is led by artists of color, is creating the mural on the wall of the Latino-owned Colon Tires and Alignment on Lake Avenue.

Manuel 'Manny' Ramirez is the lead artist and facilitator of the Center City mural.

"The creation of this mural is part of a long-standing effort to bring art that truly represents this community into the spaces where people live, work, and play," the city said. "It is an important step towards placemaking and beautification endeavors, acknowledging the Hispanic and Latino population in New Hampshire is one of the fastest growing communities to date."

The initiative was supported by the City of Manchester Board of Alderman, Manchester Arts Commission, the New Hampshire Center for Justice and Equity, community partners, and residents, according to officials.

"We wanted to create something that not only represents the Latino community but also captures the resilient spirit of all immigrants who have contributed to making this city what it is today," Jason Bonilla, Ward 5 School Board member, Equity Leaders Fellowship Program Director, and NHCJE Board Member, said. "We want to take care of all parts of the city, show pride, and make people want to stop and enjoy this space."

The project was also supported by Manchester’s Mayor Jay Ruais, who supported planning and helped secure $15,000 from the Manchester Arts Commission.

"Manchester has always been a city that embraces diversity — including its art space," Ruais said. "The new mural is vibrant and thought-provoking, everything you expect from such an amazing and unique urban art project."

While the final design of the mural has been kept under wraps, those involved in the project hint that it will highlight themes of unity, love, and humanity, according to officials.

For Bonilla, who has seen the finished plans, the goal is to ensure that when people see this artwork, they feel a sense of belonging, pride, and hope.

"Seeing this mural is like looking into a mirror — it reflects our dreams and the possibilities that lie ahead," he said. "It's emotional because it shows us that no matter the challenges we face, there’s hope, and our future is bright."

The mural's design is set to start this fall and it promises to be a highlight of the Center City neighborhood.