Open Call - Kingston Creative

Sunken Secrets of the Sea

Underwater Cultural Heritage and Ocean Literacy Mural

Kingston Creative is partnering with the international MARITIME ARCHEOLOGICAL TRUST to create a new mural in the Downtown Kingston Art District. The dimensions of the wall are 9′-2″ high x 14’-2” wide and the mural is located on East Street between Tower Street and Water Lane.

Artist Brief

This brief is intended to guide the artistic development of the mural commissioned under the Underwater Cultural Heritage initiative to be unveiled on 13 March 2026 in Kingston, Jamaica.

The mural should visually interpret the principles of the UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage and align with the goals of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. It must function as both a powerful artistic work and a public education tool.

Overall Vision

The mural should tell a layered story that connects history, memory, ocean health, environmental change, and hope. It should be visually engaging from a distance, but also rich in detail upon closer viewing.

The narrative should move from tragedy and loss to reflection, ecological vitality, and ultimately hope through protection and stewardship.

1. Historical Layer: Loss and Memory

The upper section may depict a dramatic shipwreck scene representing maritime disasters and the loss of life. This should include a sensitive acknowledgement of enslaved persons and mariners who perished at sea. The tone must be solemn and respectful, not sensational.

There may also be visual reference to Port Royal and the 1692 earthquake, showing buildings descending into the sea. This symbolizes how entire communities became part of underwater cultural heritage.

The wreck should not be portrayed as treasure. It represents memory, history, and human experience.

2. Submerged Heritage

Beneath the surface, the mural may include submerged structures, wreckage, and architectural remains. Subtle, almost ghostlike human forms can be incorporated to suggest remembrance and the sacred nature of these sites.

This section should communicate that underwater cultural heritage carries stories of migration, trade, enslavement, conflict, and resilience. The sea is shown as a keeper of history.

3. Living Ocean and Ecological Renewal

Living Ocean (wrecks becoming artificial reefs/biodiversity)

In the foreground, the mural should show vibrant coral reefs and marine life thriving around wrecks and submerged walls. These structures can be depicted as artificial reefs supporting biodiversity.

This section must illustrate that cultural heritage and marine ecosystems are interconnected.

In contrast, a clearly defined area should show environmental damage such as coral bleaching, reef degradation, and pollution. This visual contrast highlights the impact of climate change, marine pollution, and irresponsible human behaviour.

4. Narrative Flow

The mural should follow a clear progression:

Past tragedy
Submerged memory
Living ecosystem
Visible environmental threats
Hope through protection and stewardship

Hope may be expressed through light entering the water, vibrant colour in protected reef areas, or subtle symbolic elements representing future generations.

5. Key Messages to Convey

Underwater cultural heritage is part of shared human history.
It must be protected and not commercially exploited.
Ocean health and heritage protection are inseparable.
Climate change and pollution threaten both nature and memory.
Responsible stewardship ensures resilience and renewal.

6. Artistic Considerations

Maintain dignity in historical depictions.
Avoid glorifying treasure hunting.
Avoid caricature or insensitive portrayals of enslaved persons.
Ensure strong composition and readability at public scale.
Use colour and contrast strategically to distinguish between vitality and degradation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dan Thompson: dan@kingstoncreative.org or info@kingston.creative.org

Apply by Sunday March 1 2026 at 11:59 PM. Mural must be completed by March 12, 2026.

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