RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)–Want to see more splashes of paint on city walls? Then drop some cash in the can to help Art Whino, a DC-based art gallery, who has helped curate the 48 vivid murals that now brighten the city.
The inaugural project launched in 2012 with the help of Venture Richmond and City of Richmond, who were supportive in hosting what was known as the G40 Art Summit. That first year artists were chosen in an open submission process.
For the 2014 season, which will run from June 16-June 27, Art Whino hopes to build on 2013’s success with another edition of murals featuring eight to twelve of the top muralists from around the world.
The project hopes to get another twenty murals painted throughout the city, bringing the number of murals to an anticipated 68 when completed. The Richmond Mural Project is a yearly event that will create over 100 murals by world renowned talent in the first five years alone.
Some of the 2014 artists have been selected, and there is funding for the event’s initial launch. The Kickstarter event is to reach the goal of bringing at least 10 muralists, or even more.
Click here for information or to donate.
The intention of the project is to increase foot traffic in the city, build community and to establish Richmond as “a landmark destination for internationally recognized murals,” and create exposure for the city, “establishing it as a premier art destination.”
The buzz surrounding the event hasn’t gone unnoticed by outside publications, either. The global publication Buzzfeed ranked the Etam Cru mural –at the 7-11 on Grace Street --as number three on their list of “Best Street Art in the world of 2013.”
Here is the 2014 lineup so far:
Chazme 718 - Poland
Interesni Kazki- Kiev
Meggs- Australia
Onur- Switzerland
Ron English - New York
Sepe - Poland
Smitheone- Mexico
Wes21 - Switzerland
Click over to the Kickstarter page for info on the upcoming show, and to see the art from 2012 and 2013. As with Kickstarter's, certain level pledges receive prizes. Check out the $50 reward: a 12" x 16" Print of Etam Cru - Moonshine Mural.
A map of the new mural locations will be released soon.
