Downtown Melbourne is getting more colorful, with several street murals up — and many more on the way.

  • City of Melbourne is beautifying downtown with murals
  • Melbourne wants to make downtown a destination for arts, culture
  • Artists aren't just locals but from around the county and elsewhere

So far, six dot walls on historic buildings, with the goal of 15 to 20 in the near future.

City leaders say the goal is to redefine the area as a destination for arts and culture. They also want to bring in more locals and tourists to downtown Melbourne who will shop and dine at businesses and enjoy the creative, diverse murals.

"It's about fostering this friendly space for the community and giving them chances to engage in downtown and create that attachment," Melbourne Mainstreet Executive Director Jarin Eisenberg said.

The muralists are not just locals.

"We have some exciting artists from all around the county and beyond, all very different styles and feels," muralist Christopher Maslow said.

Some future murals are being paid for with a Florida Cultural Affairs grant.