(Washington, D.C.) -  MuralsDC is kicking off the 2013 season with a provocative mural in the Shaw neighborhood that illustrates the power of knowledge by artist Aniekan Udofia. This season's line up of murals will also include a photo realistic scene of the 1963 March on Washington, to be installed on Martin Luther King Jr., Ave, SE and a first-ever collaboration with the Smithsonian.

MuralsDC, a partnership between the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) and the Department of Public Works (DPW), was launched in 2007  to combat the growing trend of illegal graffiti and reduce urban blight. To date, the program has produced 41 murals citywide. Many of the program's walls had been a constant target for graffiti. The program has been highly effective in ending the cycle of tagging on those sites, which has resulted in a significant cost savings for both the city and the business owners.

"This year's program brings us two amazing opportunities to celebrate history," said DPW Director William Howland, Jr., whose agency funds the program. "Our mural with the Smithsonian Latino Center will explore the rich diversity of Afro Latino culture and its impact on our nation's capital. The MLK mural will allow us to commemorate one of this country's most significant events as we brace to celebrate its 50th anniversary."

Each year, DPW and DCCAH issue a call for both artists and wall space. The following locations will be included in this year's program:

"MuralsDC has selected some of the top artists not just from the DMV area, but also this year from across the country and from Germany as well," said Lionell Thomas, Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. "The Commission is proud to support this fantastic program which contributes to making our city a vibrant place to live, work and play."

Local nonprofit group Words, Beats and Life coordinates the art installation for the program. Participating artists for 2013 include: James Bullough, Hamilton Glass, Addison Karl, Coby Kennedy, Cecilia Lueza, Michael Owen, Justin Poppe, Daniel Rosncedvalles and Aniekan Udofia.