New York City is full of advertisements and billboards as you know, but a fair chunk of them have not been authorised and thus residents and visitors are submitted to even more advertising which is illegal. Thus pro-humanity campaign group ‘Public Ad Campaign’ have organised a project with many volunteers whom set out this week to white-wash hundreds of illegal ads and then replace them with public art, created by themselves.

Public art: High Five!

It’s a great idea in my opinion as we’re constantly bombarded with commercialisms nowadays and perhaps lack some of the more cultural elements which symbolise what it means to be human.

Public Ad Campaign acts on the assumption that public space and the public's interaction with that space is a vital component of our city's health. By visually altering and physically interacting with the public environment, residents become psychologically invested in their community. 

I’m a huge fan of smart governance and of not just solving problems but turning them to your advantage. This project is one of them and the results are good for everyone. Quite-Banksy-esque.

Source: http://www.woostercollective.com/2009/04/new_york_street_advertising_takeover_bri.html
Public Ad Campaign Website: http://www.publicadcampaign.com/