St. Louis is quietly transforming into a vibrant mural city, thanks to a significant investment in public art. The St. Louis Mural Project (STLMP), managed by the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RACSTL), has brought 28 stunning murals to life, spanning all 14 wards of the city. This initiative marks the largest one-time mural project in the city’s recent history, completed in just a few months.
Funded through federal pandemic relief funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), STLMP is a reflection of the city’s deep love for public art and its talented local artists. The nearly $1 million project was part of a broader $10.6 million ARPA allocation awarded to St. Louis City in November 2022 to promote community development through the arts.
The St. Louis Mural Project was born from a citywide survey asking residents how they wanted ARPA funds to be used, and the answer was clear—murals. Following an extensive artist application process that opened in February 2024, a committee comprising public art experts and St. Louis Alderpersons selected 28 artists, each assigned to create a mural in one of the city’s 14 wards. Each mural had to incorporate a community engagement element, whether it involved public participation in painting or reflected the ward’s historical significance.
“St. Louis has always been a city that values creativity and community pride, and that spirit is woven into the bricks of this historic city,” said Tracey Morgan, ARPA for the Arts Lead at RACSTL. “The St. Louis Mural Project is a visionary initiative that exemplifies collaboration, beautification, and support for local artists.”
Work began on the murals in May 2024, and by the end of August, all 28 were completed, bringing a renewed sense of excitement and beauty to the neighborhoods they now adorn. The St. Louis Mural Project is part of a larger renaissance of public art in the metro area. Other notable projects include Walls Off Washington, the recently revamped Citygarden in downtown St. Louis, and the ongoing Paint Louis project on the Mississippi River floodwall, which stretches for nearly two miles.
These efforts are redefining St. Louis as a hub for public art and community engagement, drawing attention from locals and visitors alike. One standout mural created by artist Fatou Kane pays tribute to Dr. George Washington Carver, a Missouri native and groundbreaking scientist. Titled “The People’s Scientist,” the mural celebrates Dr. Carver’s legacy and contributions to science and education, further showcasing the power of art to honor history and inspire future generations.
The success of the St. Louis Mural Project underscores the city’s commitment to supporting the arts and local artists. By investing in public art, St. Louis is not only beautifying its urban landscape but also fostering a deeper sense of community pride and cultural expression. The STLMP has already become a point of civic pride, offering residents and tourists a new way to experience the city.
