Writing on the Walls
About Writing on the Walls
Writing on the Walls curates collaborative public art experiences that celebrate our city’s creativity and diverse cultural heritage and bring public spaces to life. Some of downtown’s most iconic murals and installations are Writing on the Walls projects.
We pay local artists to enhance Downtown Austin’s vibe through their unique works. And monetary and in-kind donations of space help make it happen. Want to get involved?
Recent & Ongoing Projects
Old Bakery & Artisan Emporium Mural
This Community Activated Parks Project tells the story of those who shaped Old Bakery and the surrounding area. A new “Generational Ties” mural, which reflects extensive community input, provides a backdrop for Old Bakery’s revitalized green space.
Learn More⟶301 Congress Porch
Anchored by the 5-story mural “Where the Wildflowers Grow” by the artist DAAS, this formerly underutilized area has transformed into a vibrant public plaza and venue for live music and creative events.
Learn More⟶Mexic-Arte Museum Partnership
The Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, in partnership with Mexic-Arte Museum, received a grant from the Economic Development Department to create artworks to celebrate Austin's Mexican American history and the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor.
Tour Downtown Art & Parks
Explore Downtown Austin's best art, murals and green spaces with our self-guided biking or walking tours.
Discover Downtown Art & Parks⟶Tour Downtown's ARTBOXES
The ARTBOX program creates large-impact murals on the smallest of urban canvases, transforming utility boxes into beautiful works of art. Take a tour of our ARTBOX map, learn how you can become an ARTBOX artist, or sponsor a box.
Explore the ARTBOXES⟶Iconic Works Downtown
The Beauty of Liberty & Equality
This 12-story mural on the LINE Hotel, nicknamed "Wonder Woman," is a collaboration between Canadian artist Sandra Chevrier and American artist Shepard Fairey. It celebrates women's power and history and has become a beloved landmark.
Learn More⟶Mr Doodle's Gift to Austin
Mr Doodle's signature "Graffiti Spaghetti" style mural adds a playful touch to the corner of Congress Avenue and East 6th Street. This vibrant artwork is sponsored by KBS and the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation and supported by Art + Artisans.
Learn More⟶SFC's 20th Anniversary Truck Mural
Rebecca Sanchez painted a truck mural to celebrate SFC's 20th anniversary, creating a beacon of joy and play that can be experienced by elders and youth alike. See the mural at the Downtown Farmers' Market every Saturday at Republic Square from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Temporary Installations
POP! By Gentilhomme
The Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation presented POP! by Gentilhomme at Republic Square from March 8-22, 2024, bringing interactive surprises, music, and dance to the park. Visitors activated the POP! creatures by calling out or singing to them.
Meet the Creatures⟶Republic Square Mural Sculpture
This celebration of Austin's diversity was on display from March to May 2023. Honoring Black History Month, Women's History Month, and the Mexican American Heritage Corridor, the artwork showcased pivotal moments in Austin's history through the eyes of diverse artists.
See the Sculpture⟶Ann Richards Banners
This project celebrated Women’s History Month 2021 by installing a striking series of 96 “Ann Banners” along Congress Avenue from the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge to the Texas State Capitol.
Tour the Banners⟶