Tag:artwork_type=graffiti
 artwork_type = graffiti
|
 |
| Description |
|---|
| A notable graffiti work. |
| Group: tourism |
| Used on these elements |
    |
| Requires |
| Useful combination |
| See also |
| Status: in use |
| Tools for this tag |
|
A notable 
graffiti work. Usually graffiti has to do with lettering, the subject is a word or sign. The lettering can be done in different styles (e.g. bubble style, 3d style, etc.). Graffiti is produced often illegally or without permission.
A graffiti also can include "graffiti puppets", i.e. figurative elements. They are an addiction to the word, even if they are not strictly connected to the lettering.
The graffiti is usually produced under a pseudonym. Some graffiti artists are well known and many of them sign their works. You can use artist_name=* to add their names (if you know).
How to map
Add a node 
at the centre and tag it with tourism=artwork and artwork_type=graffiti. Alternatively, you can map it as a 
way connected to the building.
If the graffiti is painted on a flat surface such as a roadway or sidewalk, you can map it as an 
area instead.
Tags used in combination
Disambiguation
Graffiti use spray paint, but the fact of using spray paint is not enough to be considered graffiti. Some murals and other street art works also use spray paint.
"Tags" are also words made with spray cans but they are simple (one line) and not considered graffiti, in which there are usually more layers. "Tags" are usually used as a signature.
The following examples are not graffiti works according to this definition:
Sprayed "tags" in Amsterdam.
Mural made with spray paint in Malaga.
Street art using stencils and spray paint in Berlin.
Mural made with spray paint in Glasglow.
When not to map
You can add any artistically notable graffiti to the map. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
We don't map temporary features. Since graffiti can sometimes be very ephemeral and is often done without permission on public or private property, the aspect of its temporality and legality should be taken into account before adding it to the map.
Some city authorities prohibit graffiti and remove them from their streets. Others just remove some and leave those that are artistically notable. In other places it may not be officially allowed but the authorities tolerate it (for instance on concrete pillars or abutments of bridges, retaining walls and the like).
Some municipalities offer spaces where graffiti artists can practice their art. Keep in mind that many of these graffiti, both in spaces provided for them and in other areas of the city, may end up disappearing quickly (sometimes within a few days or even hours), even if they are notable graffiti, so they should not be added to the map.
The legality aspect is also problematic. Each city has its own rules regarding graffiti. The knowledge and collaboration of the local mappers can be essential to know when not to map graffiti.
Photo examples
The following examples are graffiti works:
Graffiti work in Berlin.
Graffiti work in Hannover
(including "graffiti puppets").
Graffi work in Bamberg.
Graffi work in Malaga
(including "graffiti puppets").
See also
- artwork_type=mural
- artwork_type=painting
graffiti:tag=* - to include the pseudonym (tag) of the artist who created the graffiti- Difference between graffiti and mural on the OSM Community forum