Feeling restless at home and wish you could safely visit some interesting spots around Houston? A new website, HoustonMuralMap.com that launches July 15 helps people do that.
“Couch-surfers can take a fun discovery tour online, by clicking on murals that interest them on the map to see a photograph and learn about the artist,” said Elia Quiles, a principal of UP Art Studio, the firm that created the site. “People can drive around to see them too, by using the website to create their own DIY tour. It’s fun to take others in your household on a drive to see some colorful murals in person.” Nearly all installations can be viewed from the car; on the street, people should wear a mask and social distance.
UP Art Studio is a local civic arts firm that curates and produces mural projects and runs the Mini Murals program for the City of Houston.
On the website, an interactive digital map shows the locations of hundreds of colorful street installations that express the energy and cultural character of Houston. Many address social issues. Visitors can zoom to a neighborhood of interest, then click on a location for each mural. The website includes all available information, including links to the artists’ online presence. The crowd-sourced map will be updated as more murals and information are submitted.
“This is the perfect time to discover the diversity of Houston’s creative community and the growing number of murals and Mini Murals, city-wide. Even better is that anyone can use this new digital map from the safety of home,” said Theresa Escobedo of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, City of Houston.
“We hope Houston Mural Map spurs even more community appreciation of the work of our creative muralists and street artists,” said Deidre Thomas, Director of Grants – Houston Arts Alliance. Artists and others are encouraged to submit more murals and information for the website, using a form available on the website.
The Houston Mural Map was funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, with a Let Creativity Happen Digital Grant, 2020. Fiscal Sponsor: Fresh Arts.
The East End Houston Cultural District contributed to the Houston Mural Map with photographs of many of the East End area murals.
