Artwalk and the Texas Water Foundation’s campaign, Texas Runs on Water, are collaborating to create a new mural in Alpine, bringing a statewide conversation about water conservation to Far West Texas.
The Texas Water Foundation, a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit, has made a dedicated effort to lead Texas into a sustainable water future through water policy, leadership and workforce initiatives, and the development of the first statewide water campaign. Texas Runs on Water serves as their statewide water campaign, focused on educating Texans about the value of water and building awareness about the state’s unique relationships with water resources.
The campaign comes at a crucial time as Texas faces challenges such as a widening water availability gap, aging water infrastructure, and significant population changes. Launched in 2021, the Texas Runs on Water initiative was piloted in three locations and has gained millions of views across Houston, the Texas Hill Country, and the Panhandle.
Sarah Schlessinger, CEO of Texas Water Foundation, emphasized the importance of the campaign in a statement, saying, “Our hope is that a Texas Runs on Water mural would be a meaningful contribution to Alpine, and provide an opportunity for you to join a statewide effort to shape a new conversation about water.”
The first mural was completed in July 2022 by the local nonprofit Blank Spaces in Amarillo, serving to engage the community in celebrating their water story and forging new partnerships. Since the Amarillo mural, Texas Runs on Water has expanded its reach with two other mural projects and has two more slated for fall 2023 release in Downtown Austin and Fort Stockton.
The expansion into Alpine represents an effort to celebrate West Texas’s deep connection to water with a hopeful and forward-looking message. Artwalk Alpine, known for its collaboration with local artists like Billy Tarrant, and a partnership with Sul Ross State University, aligns with Texas Water Foundation’s vision for the West Texas mural.
As part of the partnership with Artwalk Alpine, Texas Runs on Water will incorporate its trademarked logo and brand specifications and support the fundraising, marketing, and exposure of the mural.
With the collaborative effort, both organizations aim to inspire and educate Texans on the crucial value of water, and to encourage a reevaluation of how we approach and preserve our essential resources. Details about the specific location of the mural in Alpine and the project’s timeline will be released soon.
