Inaugural augmented reality mural coming to downtown Fort Myers for Art Walk, Jan. 5
Fort Myers Mural Society has partnered with Grand Illusion Creative, Lee County Visitors Bureau and BrandXR, the leading no-code augmented reality platform, to produce Fort Myers first augmented reality mural. The mural will be unveiled during ArtWalk Jan. 5 and be on display to the public throughout the 2024 season.
The Fort Myers Mural Society has painted nearly 200 murals throughout Southwest Florida since its inception in 2016. It has also participated in dozens of public community events. However, adding augmented reality into murals will bring art to life in a way that is particularly appealing to a younger demographic because it integrates their Smartphones and similar devices into the art viewing experience.
“Through AR, we plan to redefine the way we experience art,” said Shari Shifrin, founder of the Lee County-based Fort Myers Mural Society. “Combining public art with new immersive technologies, we are bringing one of the oldest forms of storytelling to life in an exciting interactive and immersive way that everyone has free access to.”
In essence, augmented reality murals fuse internet-based technology into murals, street painting and graffiti to create a one-of-a-kind mixed reality experience. After downloading a free app, viewers simply point their Smartphone or tablet at the mural. When they do, the images become animated, creating an immersive and interactive viewing experience.
Because AR operates through a combination of 3D visual images, sound and motion, the stories it empowers artists to tell are universal as they are not confined by the limitations of language, race, gender, age or politics. In this way, “ARt” has the potential to turn individuals from passive observers into active participants.
The mural that will be unveiled during ArtWalk utilizes an Instagram filter, accessible through the popular social media platform. Art lovers simply download the Electrifly Augmented Reality Art app for free and visit the public mural at their leisure as often as they like.
The Mural Society’s partnership with Grand Illusion Creative, the VCB and Brand XR represents a significant milestone in the integration of Augmented Reality technology and the world of public art here in Southwest Florida. Once the mural is unveiled, Fort Myers will join cities around the country from Miami to Los Angeles that are using ARt to enliven the experience of engaging with murals. And like Miami and L.A., Fort Myers expects to see increased interest by heritage and cultural tourists since ARt will give people the impetus to discover dynamic visuals in out-of-the way places and neighborhoods they may not have previously visited.
Fort Myers Mural Society is a SWFL based artist group that strives to make a difference in the community. Their work does not fit in one medium. You have seen the artist members works all around town at outdoor art festivals, art galleries, creating interactive murals with non profits, social media campaigns and chalking in the streets. These are just a few things they choose to bring to the community to interact with. With AR-activated murals, the Fort Myers Mural Society is poised to redefine how audiences engage with murals and enable patrons of all ages to dive into the rich world of mural art and connect with Fort Myers in exciting, immersive and memorable way.
For more information, visit fortmyersmuralsociety.com, visitfortmyers.com, brandxr.io, electrifly.co.