RVAH2O seeking artists to submit designs for storm drain art project to be held in Scott’s Addition

RVAH2O, the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities’ initiative to support comprehensive watershed management efforts, is once again seeking local artists to paint messages on city storm drains about keeping Richmond waterways clean.

The RVAH2O Storm Drain Art Project has launched a call for entries that reflect this year’s theme, “No Pollution = Cleaner Water Faster,” promoting the goals of the RVA Clean Water Plan – the City’s five-year roadmap for reducing pollutant discharges into the James River, starting with wastewater, stormwater, and the combined sewer system. Local artists ages 18 and up are invited to submit proposed designs.

Artists are encouraged to think creatively and translate their inspiration into strong messages that will encourage others to think twice about littering when they see the artwork on the storm drains. The entry deadline is Tuesday, April 9th at 11:59 p.m. Artwork can be submitted here.

Stormwater is precipitation runoff from rain or snow that flows along impervious surfaces, including rooftops, streets and sidewalks. Along the way, runoff picks up dirt, trash, oil, grease, pesticides, fertilizers, pet waste, and other pollutants. Eventually, it finds its way into a storm drain that flows into a waterway. Here in Richmond, this stormwater cycle impacts the James River, one of the city’s greatest natural assets, cherished not only for its natural beauty and wildlife, but also for swimming, water sports and recreation, and fishing.

An independent panel of judges from the Department of Public Utilities will select six winning designs, and those artists will be asked to paint the storm drains in late spring. Each artist who is selected will be compensated with a $400 stipend for their work and materials; the Department of Public Utilities will provide non-slip paint, water and water tubs, and basic brushes.

In 2016, the Department of Public Utilities launched the city’s first-ever Storm Drain Art Project on Tredegar Street along the James River. In 2017, five more drains were painted on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University at Grace and Harrison Streets. Last year’s drains are located in the Carytown neighborhood at South Sheppard and West Cary Street and South Belmont and West Cary Street. This year’s drains will be painted in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition neighborhood.