Design by Asheville artist Will Hornaday
Thanks to a collaboration among Explore Asheville and public and nonprofit partners, a colorful new safety campaign has been developed to remind visitors and residents about the 3 W’s:
- Wear a mask (over your nose and mouth)
- Wait 6 feet apart (to avoid close contact)
- Wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer).
The whimsical illustration created by local designer Will Hornaday of Hornaday Design is displayed in heavily trafficked areas in Asheville and Buncombe County on flyers, posters, sidewalk decals, window clings, barricade and pole banners, and wayfinding kiosks.
How the Public Safety Campaign Came About
Explore Asheville’s desire to reinforce health and safety messaging led to development of the project. Joined by public health officials with Buncombe County and staff with the City of Asheville, a plan was created with a $15,000 grant from the Federal CARES act, available to destination marketing organizations for promotional efforts in support of pandemic response and recovery.
Asheville Area Arts Council was contracted to select artists for the project. Three local individuals submitted designs, each of whom were paid for their concepts. Asheville Art Museum assisted the project leaders in selecting the winning design.
Explore Asheville is reinforcing the COVID safety message with a geofencing campaign that runs through December 31. When individuals enter heavily trafficked areas, including Asheville’s downtown Central Business District, the South Slope, Biltmore Village, and the River Arts District, they will be able to see digital ads bearing Hornaday’s design on their mobile devices.
For more details on the safety campaign, view a brief presentation from the October 28, 2020 meeting of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. View the recording here.
Join the Campaign
>> Seeking campaign posters and other materials to use at your business? Get them free at the Asheville Visitor Center, from Asheville Downtown Association or contact the Explore Asheville Community Engagement Team.