WE believe chalk can change the world.
Chalk Riot turns streets into canvases for community expression, using ephemeral mediums and site-responsive practices. Established in 2013, part of Ground Shift Studio.
How it Started
Way back in 2013, Chalk Riot started with a few friends using sidewalk chalk as a way to share color and joy with their communities, and to encourage their neighbors to start viewing ground surfaces found in cities as opportunities for connection and storytelling. While busking around the world and doodling in parking lots, it wasn’t long until people started asking “how much for that?” and Chalk Riot quickly grew from a hobby to a full-time business. Now, a diverse group of seasoned muralists and collaborators regularly create in the nation’s capital and beyond. We’re thankful for every person, organization, loved one and client who continues to help us grow.
How it’s going
As part of our extensive client list, Chalk Riot regularly works with city planning officials, property developers, and Business Improvement Districts to create positively engaging pavement artwork. We are honored to collaborate with urban planning firms, small businesses, global NGOs, Fortune 500 companies and more, all leveraging art to create a better world! In total, we have created in over a dozen American states and six countries, and love to travel. We estimate we've created about 300 pavement murals to date, ranging in size from four square feet to four thousand.
Our mission for the future
Our business has grown exponentially every year since our journey began. We look forward to continuing collaborations, fostering new connections, and persistently and joyfully advocating for safer and healthier cities with vibrant pavement art.
What’s the difference between Ground Shift Studio and Chalk Riot?
Chalk Riot is home for our ephemeral and community-based activities, such as mass community chalk-ins and chalk advocacy. Just chalk!
Ground Shift Studio is our home for more permanent murals, all public infrastructure projects, consulting and workshops, wayfinding, placemaking, arts in the right of way experiments, and more.