The RVA Street Art Festival announced it is returning in April, with local and international artists using the floodwall on Dock Street as their canvas. 

The festival gives the public a chance to see the artists work in real-time.  Running April 16-19, the festival will also feature live music, food trucks and other art events across Richmond.  The last RVA Street Art Festival was held in 2017 at The Diamond, where many of the murals are still standing. 

Artist and Organizer Ed Trask called the floodwall a “Holy Grail” of a canvas. 

"The floodwall serves an important purpose but it is in dire need of some creative and colorful applications and we couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” Trask said in a statement. 

The 2020 RVA Street Art Festival will be put on in conjunction with the city’s Department of Public Utilities.  They’ll be in charge of maintaining the murals after the festival. 

Richmond’s floodwall is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers but operated by the city.  Interested artists will have to submit their ideas to the Public Art Commission. 

Richmond DPU Director Calvin Farr said he was excited to use the floodwall to showcase the city’s talent. 

“As a significant piece of Richmond infrastructure, using the floodwall allows us to bring together the tangible and the imaginative – a testament to the direction the city is heading,” Farr said. 

Proceeds from the festival will benefit Richmond Public Schools’ Arts Programs and the James River Park System.  You can find more info here.