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The big picture: St. Pete’s innovative mural art

John Collins

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With more than 500 outdoor murals all over the city, St. Petersburg’s reputation as a City of the Arts continues to grow. No longer are urban murals considered graffiti to be expunged – on the contrary, many are now acclaimed works of art,  garnering magazine, social media and television coverage from around the world.

Although a few St. Pete murals go back many years, the real renaissance was started about a decade ago by several dedicated local artists. That’s when the City, and local businesses, began to understand that murals were, in fact, works of art and greatly enhanced St. Pete’s profile as an arts destination. In 2015, the Office of Cultural Affairs provided a seed grant to help establish the annual Shine Mural Festival, under the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance’s umbrella.

A dedicated committee of artist and civic leaders came together and raised additional funds to bring internationally acclaimed artists to St. Petersburg. These visiting artists, along with our local artists, have added 50 new murals in three years.  In addition, Shine has established various “Bright Spots” that expand the reach of the festival (including wrapping otherwise-ugly corner traffic signals in mural art). Shine has also bred entrepreneurs who lead walking, bicycle and trolley tours, bringing business to area restaurants and merchants as well.

Last year, the Arts Alliance premiered a groundbreaking virtual, self-guided audio tour. “We chose 40 centrally-located works to focus on,” says Executive Director John Collins, “spotlighting the Shine murals, several specially-selected murals, and two others commissioned by AARP Tampa Bay. “The Arts Alliance believes our city’s 500 murals should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or disability,” he adds. “During the tour, each mural is described, much as what one would hear when wearing headphones and touring the Dali Museum. In fact the same local team wrote and recorded our tour.”

The virtual mural tour may also be viewed anywhere around the world via the Internet, with a computer or hand-held device. The audio portion provides vivid descriptions of each mural, the artist and its setting. The online guide includes transcriptions of the audio recordings, photos and a map, with notes on accessible parking and mobility barriers.  

The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance is putting our community on the map through Shine, highlighting our city as a world-class arts destination and hub of creativity. With this partnership with AARP, an amazing display of local and international talent will be accessible for all to enjoy via a self-guided virtual tour for those miles away or with mobility restrictions.  Proud that my hometown of St. Petersburg continues to promote innovation and inclusion. 

– U.S Congressman Charlie Crist (D-FL)

As a national champion for livable communities, AARP is proud to support the St. Petersburg Accessible Mural Tour which allows anyone, regardless of age, ability or locale, to experience our city’s vibrant arts community.

– Michelle Cyr, Associate State Director for Outreach AARP Florida

This project is likely to serve as a model for other mural programs around the country.  To our knowledge, no other organization in the United States offers mural tours designed for the needs of those with visual, hearing or physical disabilities.  VSA Florida has been honored to assist the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance as they develop this much-needed resource and fully supports the Arts Alliance’s leadership in providing access to public art in St. Petersburg with this innovative and creative program. 

– Jennifer Sabo, Executive Director, VSA Florida 

For photos, additional information or to download a brochure, visit the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance website:  stpeteartsalliance.org/explore/

2017 Shine Mural Festival

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