Richmond calls for rain mural artwork submissions

11 April 2022

The City of Richmond invites members of the public to contribute to the design of new sidewalk murals that will appear throughout eight neighbourhoods across the city. Neighbourhood Rain Murals is a special project that provides a platform for community members to express themselves artistically. It is a part of the #RichmondHasHeart initiative, which was launched during the pandemic to reconnect residents with each other and public spaces in creative ways.

Written ideas and/or original drawings for the Neighbourhood Rain Murals can be submitted through LetsTalkRichmond.ca. Submissions should highlight the unique attributes of the neighbourhood, whether it is the flora/fauna of the area, a specific urban design element or other intangible characteristics. The neighbourhoods are Cambie/East Richmond, City Centre, Hamilton, Sea Island, South Arm, Steveston, Thompson and West Richmond – each of which surround one of the City’s eight community centres.

Members from Richmond’s Mural Artist Roster will interpret the written submissions into graphic designs. A selection panel will review all graphic submissions and select up to six additional designs per neighbourhood. The designs will be made into stencils and installed on neighbourhood sidewalks and public plazas using an eco-friendly hydrophobic paint. The artworks will be invisible when dry, but will appear when wet.

Later this spring, a map featuring the locations of all the rain murals will be available on the City’s website or at each community centre. Locals will be encouraged to get outside, play in the rain and explore their neighbourhoods and beyond.

The call for ideas and drawings is open to all ages and everyone who lives, works or plays in Richmond. Artwork criteria and guidelines can be found at www.richmond.ca/RichmondHasHeart. Deadline for submissions at LetsTalkRichmond.ca is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, 2022.