5 Pointz (a name derived from the five boroughs of New York) was created about eight months after the demise of the Phun Phactory. Phun Phactory, which had been open for seven years, closed after a landlord-tenant dispute. Meres approached the landlord with a proposal to restart the program under a new name and image. Meres wanted to showcase the best aerosol works, a goal which was aided by his awareness of graffiti and his connections with writers. Nic 1 and Topaz joined the 5 Pointz team and to date help in the growth of 5 Pointz.
The overall goal of 5 Pointz is to showcase high level productions around the factory on the lower levels and to cover the building 100%, making it the first building to do so. Spots are given out according to skill level and running time is based on that as well. Barbecues and breakdance practice sessions also take place during the summer seasons.
To date over 600 pieces have been put up on 5 Pointz which is six times more graffiti traffic per year than compared to Phun Phactory.
Writers from all 5 boroughs as well as Holland, Italy, Paris, Boston, Miami, Canada, L.A., and all around the world have participated in painting at 5 Pointz. It is the hope that 5 Pointz will be able to offer wall space for years to come and increase the general publics’s awareness of graffiti art and let them know there is a beautiful side to the art of aerosol.
- from the official 5 Pointz site
