A Lakeland mural artist says recent changes to a city program are shutting down opportunities for local creators and small businesses.

For years, Jon Sierra has been turning blank walls into colorful murals across Lakeland. He says growing up around graffiti culture in New York taught him that public art is never just decoration.

WATCH: Lakeland muralist says changes to city art program hurts artists and businesses

It showed me that public art can inspire, can bring positivity, bring community to an otherwise blank space, Sierra said.

The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agencys Art Infusion Program is a grant created to support artists like Sierra by funding murals to beautify commercial corridors and boost economic development.

It gives local businesses the opportunity to receive a

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