CLEARWATER, Fla. – The city of Clearwater’s cultural affairs division has been awarded $30,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for the State Road 580 Water Tank Mural Project.
The NEA, an independent federal agency and the largest funder of arts and art education nationwide, requires a 1-to-1 match for its highly competitive grants. Clearwater was the only recipient from Pinellas County and one of two in the Tampa Bay area, with the other grant going to the University of South Florida.
The grant will fund the painting of two giant underwater mural scenes on the water tanks at 2709 State Road 580.
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“We are thrilled and honored to have received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts,” said Arts and Cultural Affairs Manager Amber Brice.
“We’ve been planning this project for over a year, and it’s been a team effort with our Public Utilities Department and our amazing grants coordinator. We look forward to bringing this visual art piece to the neighbors in this community.”
Residents can see these murals come to life starting June 5 and continuing into July. Professional mural artist, Christian Stanley of CStanley Creative, was selected to complete this project.
“Public art can play a powerful role in developing community identity and voice, showcasing what residents value,” said C. Stanley, designer/muralist.
It is my goal for these nature-focused murals to highlight the beauty and diversity of the ecosystems of Clearwater and the SunCoast, which we all know and love. It is a privilege to be a part of this public art initiative.”
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The project began with the Public Utilities Department’s hope of making the tanks more beautiful while spreading awareness of water quality and safety.
“We couldn’t be more pleased for this water-themed mural, which will lend beauty to our facility and the community it resides in,” said Public Utilities Director Richard Gardner.
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