Colorful mural on a downtown streetFoley Main Street's new initiative will fund murals and public art downtown. (Stock photo)

Foley Main Street has launched a Friends of Downtown Foley initiative to give residents and supporters a way to invest in the artistic and cultural revitalization of downtown.

“There is a new energy building in downtown Foley. From murals and public art to local music, the district is becoming a destination for residents and visitors,” Executive Director Darrelyn Dunmore said. “The program was created to turn that momentum into a sustainable community movement.”

Contributions will support projects intended to improve the district’s beauty and safety, including artistic crosswalks and murals, gathering spaces, public art, and regularly scheduled live music featuring local performers.

The foundation has provided more than $154,000 in grant funding for projects involving crosswalks, murals and local businesses.

Foundation President Wes Abrams said the initiative depends on broad community participation. “This program is about becoming part of the heartbeat of our town,” he said.

Local artists have painted seven crosswalks downtown so far. The murals are intended to add visual appeal while encouraging drivers to slow down.

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By James Bullard

James Bullard is a staff reporter for South Alabama News, covering local government, community affairs, and breaking news throughout Mobile, Alabama and the greater Gulf Coast region. Known for his thorough, on-the-ground reporting and commitment to accuracy, James brings South Alabama readers timely coverage of the stories that matter most to their neighborhoods.