04/28/2026
We’re excited to share the second article in this series from Smithsonian Folklife and proud to continue our partnership in bringing these stories forward.
Last fall, the North Carolina Folklife Institute worked with the Smithsonian to develop five articles highlighting community-driven cultural tourism initiatives across North Carolina. Each story was created through collaboration between folklorists and local partners, grounded in lived experience and community voice.
This latest piece, written by folklorist Ian Hallagan, focuses on the ¡Viva la Vida! mural in Washington—a vibrant reflection of the city’s Latino community and a powerful example of how public art can grow from long-term trust-building and collaboration.
We’re grateful to Ian, to the community members in Washington who shaped this work, and to our partners at the Smithsonian for supporting storytelling that reflects the richness and diversity of communities across North Carolina.
Read the full article:
🔗 https://s.si.edu/4mwMm6m
Familia (family) 🌺 Arte (art) 🎨 Unidad (unity)
Drive into Washington, North Carolina—the first city named after George Washington—and you'll be stopped in your tracks by the 3,300-square-foot "¡Viva la Vida!" mural. This burst of color located in the heart of the Latino Business District is more than public art. It's the result of years of community trust-building, outreach, and collaboration between the city and its Latino neighbors.
From the flowers representing different Latin American countries to the words chosen by the community itself, every detail reflects a commitment to making sure each resident of Washington sees themselves in the city's culture and history.
Folklorist Ian Hallagan tells the full story of how Washington brought its community together through art in a recent Folklife Magazine article: https://s.si.edu/4mwMm6m
Photo courtesy of Erin Ruyle
