LOUISVILLE — Louisville Metro Government today announced a landmark agreement with MSD to paint a mural on a 6,000-foot section of flood wall to serve as an eye-catching entryway to Waterfront Park’s newest attractions.
The Louisville Metro Office of Arts + Creative Industries launched a call for interested artists in Kentuckiana to submit their design for the mural.
“Louisville’s riverfront has a unifying feature – the U.S Army Corps of Engineers Flood Protection System,” Jessica Bennett Kincaid, Office of Arts + Creative Industries Director, said. “There are more than 24,000 feet of flood walls that keep our community safe and are also prime locations for murals. These artworks will energize our public space, express community identity, and invite more visitors to experience and appreciate our riverfront.”
The area designated for murals is located near 1000 Rowan Street at the 10th Street Floodwall. One wall is currently marked by a painted “Mural Coming Soon” message with a QR code that provides information about the opportunity.
“The Ohio River connects us as a community, whether we are gathering at Waterfront Park, or using the Louisville Loop, or enjoying time on the water. Although we enjoy the river, it can be a powerful force. The floodwall that will serve as a canvas for this mural is part of a system that MSD manages to keep hundreds of thousands of people safe and dry when the Ohio River rises,” Wesley Sydnor, MSD’s Chief of Government and Public Affairs, said. “MSD is pleased to continue the partnership with Louisville Metro and Waterfront Park to build on the connections to safe, clean waterways that we provide through public art.”
Waterfront Park is an essential partner in this agreement and is providing matching financial support for the pilot project to ensure there is a high-impact entryway to Phase IV.
“The floodwall mural will serve as a welcoming gateway to the new $50 million Waterfront Park expansion by transforming an imposing barrier into an engaging work of art,” said Deborah Bilitski, President and Executive Director of Waterfront Park, said. “We are grateful to Louisville Metro Government and MSD for partnering with us to help ensure our waterfront is beautiful, welcoming, and accessible to everyone.”
The application window is open now. The area designated for the flood wall mural pilot project includes both sides of the 10th Street Floodwall and the 10th Street Pump Station.
A minimum of four additional projects located elsewhere in the city will also be selected for funding to increase the presence of public art throughout the entire community.
Important dates for the project:
- September 1: Deadline to apply
- September 16: Proposals selected
The Commission on Public Art will review artists’ qualifications and proposals.
For more information about the Mural Funding Opportunity, visit the Arts + Creative Industries page.
For more information about Waterfront Park’s Phase IV expansion, visit their website.
For more information about MSD projects, visit their website.
