Storm Drain Art

Applications are Now Closed for Phase 2.

The City of Savannah is seeking bold and original designs that call attention to our waterways, reducing pollution, and protecting our local ecosystems. Proposals from artists of all backgrounds and abilities are welcomed. Emerging artists, local artists, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), as well as artists a part of other minoritized or historically excluded communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the Project

This second phase will focus on drains that flow into the Savannah River. The storm drain art project is part of a larger campaign to enlighten the community about the connection to our rivers and ocean through the drain. It will be a reminder that our actions impact wildlife and local economies depending on our waters staying healthy. 

Highlighting Our Connection to Our Water 

Savannah is surrounded by creeks that flow to rivers that flow to the ocean. Living in the city we don’t see the rivers and oceans every day; yet we are still connected to them and to the plants and wildlife living in them. We may not hear the otter munching an oyster, but our pet’s waste left on the ground impacts the safety of that oyster. We may not see the turtle eating jellyfish, but our plastic litter looks like food and injures them. We may not see the shrimp boat working the estuary, but many of us enjoy what the nets bring in! The price we pay for our wonderful local seafood depends, in large part, on the quality of the water.

The City of Savannah lies within two watersheds, the Savannah and the Ogeechee River Watersheds. On the eastside, from Victory Drive north, water flows through our ditches and canals into the Savannah River. These canals are often full of litter. Only rain should go down a storm drain. If only rain goes down the storm drain, then less litter and pollution will reach the Savannah River where dolphin and manatees live and where we swim, fish, and crab.

Project Submissions

Submissions, including supporting materials, will be accepted through the online form through Monday, November 10 at 11:59pm. 

Design Specifications

Designs should fit the brief of bold and original designs that call attention to our waterways, reducing pollution, and protecting our local ecosystems. The chosen storm drains are 3 basic design shapes. Design submissions should be for a specific shape, not for a specific drain. Artists are welcome to submit designs for all three shapes. Selected designs will be assigned to the specific location by the review committee. Since every drain is slightly different, submitted designs should be able to be altered slightly to fit the exact location once drains are assigned.

Submission Criteria

Applicants must be residents of Chatham County, Georgia, and 18 years of age or older. One design per submission. Artists preparing more than one design should submit each design as a separate and complete submission through the online form.

Submissions Must Include:
Written Proposal (PDF)
Artist Bio (PDF)
Images: up to five (5) images that accurately represent the artwork in scale and color. 
Schematics:  Include at least one image showing design within provided drain schematic.
Up to three (3) Images of previous artwork should be included. 
PDF, jpeg, eps, and png accepted.

Submissions will be juried by a panel of local experts including marine ecologists, artists, and City representatives. All submissions will be scored on the following four (4) categories out of a total possible 100 Points. 

Clarity of theme and overall concept     [35 Points] 
Formal and aesthetic qualities                [25 Points] 
Creativity and originality                          [25 Points] 
Feasibility                                                    [15 Points] 

Selected Artists

Selected artists will be assigned a storm drain based on the shape submitted. Paint and materials will be supplied. 

The artist(s) selected will enter a contract with Cultural Resources and receive a schedule for installation. Artist(s) will be given a nine (9) day period for installation. The City of Savannah reserves the right not to install or remove artwork if it differs greatly from the proposed design, and revoke stipend as a breach of the agreement. 

Each selected artist will be awarded a stipend based on the design shape. The stipend is based on surface area and complexity. If an artist is awarded more than one mural, they will receive one stipend per installation. Stipends will be distributed upon completion of the art installation - Rectangle: $850, Trapezoid: $1,000, Large Trapezoid: $1,200, Irregular Polygon: $1,200, Large Irregular Polygon: $1,500

View the Full Call for Submissions Here.

Information Session

View the replay of the information session that took place October 21st at the bottom of this page. 

Storm Drain Locations and Technical information

Fourteen (14) drains have been selected for this project. Click the images below to see full size PDF

​Storm Drain Selection for Art Project​

The storm drain locations are:

The selected storm drains have 3 different shapes and styles. Designs must cover the sidewalk area indicated as well as the metal drain cover.

Shape A: Rectangle 6 Total Stipend: $850		Download Schematic
Shape B: Trapezoid 2 Total (1 Large) Stipend: $1,000 Large Trapezoid Stipend: $1,200		Download Schematic
Shape C: Irregular Polygon 4 Total (1 Large) Stipend: $1,200 Large Irregular Polygon Stipend: $1,500		Download Schematic

Project Timeline

October 21, 2025  |  Information Session via Zoom at 6:00pm. RSVP here.

November 10, 2025  |  Submission Deadline (11:59pm) 

November 17, 2025  |  Selection Committee Reviews Submissions 

November 21, 2025   |  Selected Artists Notified and Assigned Specific Drain Site *subject to change

The artists selected and City of Savannah staff will discuss installation specifications, and the artist will be asked to make adjustments to design as needed to fit assigned site. 

Dec, 2025 – Jan, 2026  |   Designs presented to neighborhood representatives, Chatham County - Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission, and City of Savannah City Council. 

February 26 – 29, 2026  |  Install weekend. (Backup/rain date March 5-8) 

Questions?
Questions should be submitted to LWalker@Savannahga.Gov prior to the submission period closing.