ARTours Clearwater 2.0

How it works

The app facilitates a self-guided tour of Downtown Clearwater, featuring four vibrant murals. The recommended duration for the full tour is approximately 45 minutes, though visitors may opt to explore individual artworks if time is limited. An interactive map within the app provides precise locations for each mural. Upon arrival at a mural, users can engage with the artwork by pointing their smartphone at it and tapping designated hotspots to reveal animations that enhance the visual experience.

The murals

The murals in Downtown Clearwater are part of a public art initiative designed to integrate art, culture, and innovative technology into the urban landscape. These four murals contribute significantly to enhancing public spaces, drawing inspiration from the city’s past, present, and future. The featured murals are:

• Comunidad – 28 North Garden St.
  This mural celebrates cultural diversity, depicting empowered women who exemplify unity and community. Artists Florencia Duran and Camilo Nunez utilize sketches of real women to create compelling portraits.
• 100 Years Before J. Cole – 620 Drew St.
  This work reflects on the transformative impact of the Orange Belt Railway, constructed in 1885, alongside the emergence of modern bicycles. Located adjacent to the Pinellas Trail—which traces the original railway route—this mural by artists Michelle Sawyer and Tony Krol pays homage to historical evolution, inspired by J. Cole’s song “1985.”
• After a While – 710 Franklin St.
  Artist MJ Lindo-Lawyer presents a whimsical scene of a woman walking her pet alligator. Renowned for her portrayals of multicultural women alongside animal companions, Lindo-Lawyer invites viewers into a fantastical realm through her vibrant mural.
• Ikebana – 710 Franklin St.
  DAAS, an internationally recognized contemporary artist based in the United States, creates an engaging representation of an ikebana flower arrangement. His distinct style merges abstract and representational elements through bold designs and a vivid color palette, aiming to inspire beauty and reflection within urban spaces.

Augmented reality

Augmented reality (AR) technology enhances the visitor experience by overlaying digital imagery onto real-world scenes. This innovative approach not only stimulates visual senses but also engages auditory and tactile experiences. The collaborative project merges technical expertise from USF’s Access 3D Lab and Advanced Visualization Center with the community initiatives of the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency. As Tampa Bay's first AR-enhanced walking tour, this app aims to elevate public humanities programming, inviting users to experience art through a modern lens that fosters surprise and engagement.