Rotary Clubs unveil augmented reality mural in Downtown art district

In a bold move to blend art, technology, and community service, seven Rotary Clubs and one Rotaract Club in Kingston and St Andrew have collaborated to create a striking mural in the heart of the Kingston Creative Art Walk on Water Lane.

The mural, which incorporates augmented reality (AR), showcases Rotary’s seven areas of focus: peace building, disease prevention, water sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education, economic development, and environmental protection, with special recognition of Rotary’s historic efforts to eradicate polio globally.

The unveiling of the mural marks a significant addition to the globally recognised Downtown Art District, further establishing Kingston as a hub for creativity and innovation. By merging visual art with AR technology, the mural brings Rotary’s mission to life in a dynamic way, offering both an artistic and interactive experience for visitors.

“This mural is more than just an artistic expression; it is a reflection of the current Rotary International (RI) theme ‘The Magic of Rotary’,” said Rotary Assistant Governor for Jamaica Southeast Steven Hudson. “Each brushstroke symbolises our dedication to these areas and highlights the magic that happens when we come together to serve others and build a better world.”

Designed by renowned local artist Anthony ‘Taoszen’ Smith, with AR features developed by digital artist Kianne Patrice Hutchinson, the mural allows viewers to use the Kulcha Connect app for an enhanced experience. By scanning the mural, visitors can unlock additional layers of content that bring Rotary’s work to life in an immersive way.

For Kingston Creative, this project aligns perfectly with its mission of regenerating downtown Kingston and growing Jamaica’s creative economy.

“We are very pleased to partner with Rotary on this augmented reality mural. It showcases the immense talent of our local creatives while breathing new life into the heart of the city,” said Andrea Dempster-Chung, executive director of Kingston Creative.

The mural serves as more than just a visual masterpiece. It functions as a platform to increase Rotary’s visibility, attract new members and volunteers, and generate contributions to the Rotary Foundation. The service clubs involved in the project include the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston, Kingston East & Port Royal, New Kingston, St Andrew North, Liguanea Plains, Kingston, Trafalgar New Heights, and the Rotaract Club of Kingston. Their collective effort represents a vision of service, collaboration, and community upliftment, resonating with Kingston Creative’s broader objective to promote unity and economic development through art.

Melissa Anderson, project lead and immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Kingston East & Port Royal, expressed her pride in the joint project, noting how the mural highlights Rotary’s commitment to community impact.

“Through this creative project, we are able to showcase who we are as Rotarians. We change lives, one community at a time, and we want others with a heart for service to join us.”

As Kingston prepares to host the 2025-2026 Rotary District 7020 Conference, the mural is expected to be a featured attraction, showcasing the power of art, innovation, and partnership in creating a lasting impact.