Davis mural to stay

Tensions between East Austin residents and the Parks and Recreation Department over an unplanned memorial mural appear to be easing after city officials agreed to keep the mural in place. At issue is a mural in Givens Park that was created last month as a tribute to Andre Davis, who was robbed and murdered in the park. The hastily created mural drew concern from PARD staff because it fell outside the normal process for installing art in city parks and other public spaces. Several weeks of discussion with community leaders and District 1 Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison resulted in the decision Thursday to leave the mural in place. A planned community gathering next Wednesday is intended to let residents discuss Davis’ murder and the mural’s importance and share information on the city’s Art in Public Places program. In a Facebook post Thursday, Harper-Madison announced that the mural will stay in place and that its creator will be compensated.