SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Chalk the Bay Art and Music Festival
Body
SUMMARY:
The Chalk the Bay Art and Music Festival is a two-day event designed to celebrate creativity, activate public space, and bring residents and visitors to the waterfront through a dynamic combination of visual art, live music, and community engagement. The festival aims to highlight both local and visiting artists while supporting economic activity for surrounding businesses. Staff has hired a consultant and professional chalk artist for this event. The artist application is currently live.
Staff anticipates hosting at least 40 chalk artists who will create 10-15 3D pieces and about 25-30 2D pieces as well as mural walls. In addition to the visual art component, the festival will feature live music performances and food vendors. An artist dinner is also planned, which will ideally be hosted by the Clearwater Arts Alliance, where awards will be presented to participating artists.
The festival dates are currently scheduled for January 16 and 17, 2027, with artists beginning their work on Friday, January 15. Staff is exploring opportunities to incorporate an additional activation on that day to further enhance the event kickoff. Coordination is also ongoing with Parks and Recreation to potentially include a complementary activity, such as a color run or 5K, to expand community participation and engagement.
The overall goal of the festival is to establish a signature cultural event that supports the arts, fosters community pride, and contributes to the local economy. Staff plans to attend the Downtown Development Board meeting in July to seek funding for the event.