Tunis Faces Duplicate Image Replacement: What Happens Next and the Key Decisions Ahead

Tunis has recently been confronted with the issue of duplicate image replacement, a phenomenon where multiple identical or highly similar images are displayed in public spaces, potentially causing visual clutter and undermining the city's aesthetic appeal. This issue has become particularly pronounced in the Medina, where historic buildings and narrow streets are often adorned with repetitive and identical images.

The duplicate image replacement issue matters now because it reflects a broader concern about the city's visual identity and its impact on tourism, local businesses, and residents' quality of life. With the city's population projected to grow by 10% over the next five years, according to the Tunisian National Institute of Statistics, it is essential to address this issue to maintain a cohesive and attractive urban environment. The Avenue Habib Bourguiba, a major thoroughfare in the city, is a prime example of an area where duplicate image replacement is prevalent, with multiple billboards and advertisements displaying identical or similar images.

Local Efforts to Address the Issue

In response to the duplicate image replacement issue, local organisations such as the Tunisian Association of Artists and the Municipal Council of Tunis have launched initiatives to promote more diverse and creative visual displays in public spaces. For instance, the association has partnered with the Municipality of Tunis to launch a public art program, which aims to showcase the work of local artists in the city's public spaces, including the Parc du Belvedere and the Avenue Mohamed V. The program has already led to the installation of several unique and thought-provoking art pieces, which have enhanced the city's visual appeal and encouraged more creative and diverse displays.

According to data from the Municipal Council of Tunis, the city has seen a 25% increase in the number of public art installations over the past year, with a total of 50 new installations in 2025. Furthermore, a survey conducted by the Tunisian Ministry of Culture found that 75% of residents believe that public art has a positive impact on the city's visual identity and quality of life. The cost of implementing these initiatives is estimated to be around 500,000 dinars per year, a relatively modest investment considering the potential benefits for the city's economy and residents' well-being.

As the city moves forward in addressing the duplicate image replacement issue, key decisions will need to be made about the types of images and displays that are permitted in public spaces, as well as the role of local artists and organisations in shaping the city's visual identity. Residents and officials will need to balance the need for creative expression and diversity with the need for a cohesive and attractive urban environment. The upcoming Tunis City Council meeting on July 15 will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss and debate these issues, with a proposed plan to establish a new committee to oversee the city's visual identity and public art program.