Floodwall murals provide art on otherwise expansive, blank walls.
Benefits & Problems Addressed
Visual Interest: Murals provide visual interest for those travelling by and locations across waterways and rivers.
Destination & branding: Murals provide a destination for locals and tourists, providing a "postcard" image for branding.
Support for Artists: Murals support artists work as part of infrastructure.
Tips & Techniques
Plan for multiple uses: Use the land around floodwalls as part of destination programming, for example, bike paths, entertainment venues and education.
Include in climate resilience plans: As flooding & storm surge risks increase, floodwall installations will increase; plan for multiple uses and art from the early stages of planning.
Durability & Maintenance: Use design and materials that can withstand recurrent flooding., including high velocity, debris laden flood waters.
Hot Buttons: Getting permission (many floodwalls are managed by the Army Corps of Engineers). Refreshing & maintaining art over time. Use of local versus national artists.
Examples and Resources
Ohio River Tourism Floodwall Murals - Scioto County Ohio
Wall to Wall Mural Program - Paducah Kentucky
Image Credits: Lynn deLerie & David Wilson