Afloat, the buoy project

Afloat, The Buoy Project is a participatory public art project where members of the community paint buoys to hang in a designated section of the Town of Carolina Beach Marina Park, to activate our public pathways with art and bolster existing initiatives to connect the Boardwalk, Marina Park, and Proximity development as one expansive pedestrian and bike-friendly destination. Buoys will be painted with bright cheery colors, patterns, and words of encouragement.

The objective of this public art project is to draw the community together, uplift neighbors after the 2024 hurricane season and the devastating flooding experienced by our community, and use art as a tool for cultivating connection and a sense of place. 

We want to thank the New Hanover Arts Council for awarding this project a grant from the New Hanover Community Endowment! 

• Buoys will be painted in various patterns designed by participants with potential inspirational sayings or words of encouragement. 300 Buoys!

• Workshops will be $25 per person, designed for 20 people to attend and 1 Artist Facilitator from IAC Membership.

• IAC will also make up to 100 “buoy kits” for purchase for community members to complete at home if they are unable to attend workshops.

• IAC will have a presence at 4 Saturday markets (2 in May, 2 in June) for market attendees to paint up to 100 additional buoys