We often get the question “why it’s not possible to hunt in other cities”: It’s a fair question, especially for people who travel often or are excited to contribute everywhere they go. But there is a deeper reason behind this limitation, and it has everything to do with the health of the platform and the community that keeps it alive.
A delicate ecosystem built on local pride & knowledge
Street Art Cities isn’t just a database. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem powered by local hunters who know their cities intimately. These hunters spend years building relationships with artists, documenting murals responsibly, and maintaining accurate, up‑to‑date information.
For many of them, this isn’t just a hobby, it’s a craft. They take pride in representing their city’s scene with care and authenticity.
Allowing brand‑new users to immediately jump into multiple cities risks disrupting that balance. Without understanding the local context, history, or unwritten rules, a traveling hunter might unintentionally:
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Duplicate existing work
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Mislabel or misattribute murals
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Upload outdated or incorrect information
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Step on the toes of local hunters who have established a workflow
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Create friction in communities that rely on trust and collaboration
This isn’t about gatekeeping, it’s about protecting the quality and integrity of the platform.
Why Starting Local Matters
Beginning in one city gives new hunters the chance to:
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Learn the platform’s standards
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Understand how to document street art responsibly
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Build trust with the community
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Develop a consistent workflow
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Show they can contribute reliably
Once a hunter demonstrates that they understand the ecosystem and can work harmoniously within it, expanding to other cities becomes much more natural, and welcomed.
The Traveling Hunter Dilemma
Traveling hunters bring enthusiasm, but enthusiasm alone can unintentionally disrupt the rhythm of established local teams. Every city has its own “MO”, its own way of working, its own pace, its own unwritten agreements with artists and communities.
Dropping into multiple cities without first understanding these nuances can create confusion or tension, even if the intention is good.
What About Cities With No Records Yet
There is one important exception worth highlighting: new cities that have no records at all.
When a hunter discovers a city that isn’t represented on Street Art Cities yet, the platform allows temporary access for one month so they can start documenting it. This system exists for a very practical reason, someone has to be the first to map a new place.
This temporary access period gives a motivated hunter the chance to:
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Add the first murals
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Establish the foundation for that city’s page
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Show they understand the platform’s standards
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Demonstrate consistency and care in their contributions
After the month is up, the Street Art Cities team reviews the work and the acces will be revoked.
This approach keeps the ecosystem healthy while still allowing the platform to grow organically into new regions. It’s a balance between protecting existing communities and encouraging expansion into places that deserve representation.
It’s About Respect, Not Restriction
The goal isn’t to limit creativity or passion. It’s to ensure that every city’s street art scene is represented with the respect it deserves. By starting small and learning the ropes, hunters help maintain the high standard that makes Street Art Cities such a trusted platform.
Once that foundation is built, expanding to new cities becomes a natural next step, and a rewarding one.
There’s also a blogpost about this topic