Together with City of Orlando, Orange County Government, and Downtown Development Board, new mural makes its hometown debut April 7.
ORLANDO, Fla. – April 7, 2023 – The City of Orlando, Orange County, Visit Orlando, The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, and Orlando Economic Partnership, the economic and community development organization for the region, have unveiled a new mural in downtown Orlando to celebrate #407Day (April 7). The mural is an initiative for the “Unbelievably Real” brand platform, a first-of-its-kind partnership between the two organizations developed to speak to leisure visitors, meeting planners, workforce talent and business audiences.
The mural was unveiled at a special event held on April 7 at the corner of Orange Avenue and Pine Street in downtown Orlando attended by City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, Visit Orlando President & CEO Casandra Matej and Orlando Economic Partnership President & CEO Tim Giuliani, along with representatives from the Downtown Development Board and other community stakeholders. The event also included City of Orlando Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome who delivered an original poem in honor of #407Day and the mural celebration.
The #407Day celebration, inspired by the destination’s longtime area code, has evolved over the last few years to encourage residents to support their favorite restaurants, bars, shops, boutiques, services and other local businesses by sharing posts and photos on their social media channels.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to post photos or selfies with the new mural and tag the Visit Orlando and Tasty Chomps accounts by April 17 to have a chance to win prizes from local businesses, attractions and restaurants, including: JoJo’s ShakeBAR, Ole Red, The Nauti Lobster, Buca, Brio, Chicken Guy, Levy Restaurants (Paddlefish or Terralina Crafted Italian Kitchen), Patina Restaurant Group at Disney Springs (Morimoto Orlando, The Edison, Enzo’s Hideaway and Maria & Enzo’s) Pirates Dinner Adventure, Wonderworks, Orlando Gift Baskets, and Reflections Spa and Salon, along with downtown Orlando swag.
“As we celebrate 407 Day and the resilience of our local businesses, it’s wonderful to see the Unbelievably Real brand platform come to life through this beautiful mural in downtown Orlando.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
“Located in the core of the Central Business District, this mural showcases the diversity and creativity of our region, and I’m proud to support Visit Orlando and Orlando Economic Partnership in their efforts to promote and enhance our city,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
“We have all seen the evolution of 407 Day grow from a social media holiday to a robust call-to-action for our residents to support local businesses and organizations that drive the growth of the Orlando region,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings.
“The mural and the ‘Unbelievably Real’ brand are an example of our successful collaboration to invest in economic and community development and market our region as a destination for all.”
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings
“Nearly a year after the global launch of our ‘Unbelievably Real’ brand, we are excited to bring home a mural, designed by an Orlando artist, that is a visual representation of our entire destination, incorporating everything from our theme parks and beloved landmarks to elements of our dining, arts, culture and technology scenes that showcase Orlando’s dynamic nature,” said Casandra Matej, president & CEO, Visit Orlando.
“This mural brings to life all of what makes our region transformational and groundbreaking, from nightly theme park fireworks and adventures on our waterways to our region’s role in developing some of the world’s most innovative technologies and leading the nation’s space race,” said Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani.
“It showcases the imagination and innovation of our vibrant region, enriches people’s perceptions of Orlando and demonstrates to our residents and visitors alike that they are part of what makes Orlando Unbelievably Real too.”
Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani
Designed by Orlando-based artist Clark Orr, the mural brings to life how all aspects of the region shine, from tourism highlights like nightly fireworks and water adventures to innovative technologies such as simulation and rocket launches. The mural has been displayed in Brooklyn, Mexico City, Manchester and London in the past year, and now makes its debut in Orlando.
The “Unbelievably Real” brand launch is part of a multiyear initiative for Visit Orlando and Orlando Economic Partnership. The two organizations also launched O.U.R. Culture Project (Orlando Unbelievably Real Culture Project) to engage with Orlando residents and cultivate new methods to showcase pride in the Orlando region. Future activities will include the creation of a new symbol for Orlando and the installation of a permanent Orlando sign to become an interactive and iconic backdrop.