Remember the old rockfish art competition/auction from over a decade ago? This could be like that…or it could be something else entirely.

To promote the James River as the single most important attraction and natural resource of the Richmond region, the James River Association is conducting its first-ever Regional River Feature contest. This design competition encourages residents to identify and create an iconic regional river feature that symbolizes, creates an identity for, and promotes the rivers of the Richmond region.

Other regions have used iconic natural or constructed features to help distinguish and identify their locality and this contest is an opportunity for Richmond to do the same. Examples of similar projects in the area include Richmond’s Rockfish, the Jefferson Pocket Park Design Competition and the RVA Street Art Festival.

The James River Association will accept submissions including but not limited to permanent or temporary art installations, conceptual designs to enhance underutilized riverfront spaces, and conceptual designs to promote the riverfront as a whole. Design concepts to consider include community spaces, gateways, public art, and low-impact design.

You know what would be cool? A James River cairn competition. Imagine thousands of these on rocks in the James through RVA when the water is low. Genius, I know.

The Regional River Feature contest is open to residents of the Richmond region. Submissions will be accepted from May 1, 2015 through July 31, 2015. A selection committee will review all submissions and select finalists for public voting. Feasibility, creativity and public benefit will be considered in judging process.

The selected submission will be announced during the final presentation of the Regional Rivers Plan in September. The winning submission will be included as one of the catalytic projects recommended in the plan for implementation.

For more information contact Justin Doyle, Community Conservation Manager, at jdoyle@jrava.org.