The City of Wimberley voted to approve a mural policy at last week’s council meeting. Funding for murals will come from the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue that is allocated for arts and cultural programs that promote tourism. HOT tax revenue expenditures are governed by the Texas Tax code.
In short, murals must be located in the city limits and comply with zoning, sign, historic preservation and building codes. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be a resident of Wimberley.
Applications for murals must come in the form of written proposals that include a completed City Mural Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant Application. Scaled drawings showing location, dimensions, elevations, and materials and color renderings are required, including a site plan that shows property lines, structures, setbacks, and any right of way.
Also needed with the application is a maintenance plan, project description, budget and timeline. Selected applicants must maintain and display the mural for a minimum of five years unless otherwise approved in writing.
The content of the murals cannot show political messages or be obscene. They can’t include hate speech or imagery, promote violence, crime or threats of each or depict images of extreme violence or gore. They also can’t show brand logos or function as commercial advertising.
Allowable costs include design stipends, artist fees, materials, surface preparation, installation, protective coatings, wayfinding plaques or interpretive signage. Inclusion of the mural in city cultural maps, digital promotions and unveiling events is also covered.
Not all applications can be funded. Grant awards depend on the availability of HOT money and the city can establish a cap on the amount of money awarded.
For full details, contact Development and Public Works Director, Nathan Glaiser at 512-648-2411.
