Indianapolis achieves GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for largest display of chalk pavement art with over 800 drawings.

A total of 811 chalk drawings earned Indianapolis the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for “largest display of chalk pavement art,” more than doubling the previous record set in Canada last year.

Indy Do Day volunteers from Eli Lilly and Company and Indianapolis Power and Light, led by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) staff, took over the Indianapolis Cultural Trail along Virginia Ave. in Fountain Square on Sept. 28 as a call to action for all residents to stop littering and play a role in caring for the city.

The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt was part of a larger 36-mile chalk art display and public service announcement in connection with the “It’s My City” campaign led by Mayor Joe Hogsett, and to celebrate Lilly’s 10th Global Day of Service.

“The artwork is a tactic to raise awareness and start a conversation about litter,” said Sherrie Bossung, director of community engagement for Lilly. “What we want is a culture change where people do their part to take of the city. If nothing else, everyone can get outside and pick up trash.”

Local artist, David Orr of the Sapphire Theatre Company, designed the artwork for the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt. The message of the piece reflects the connectedness of the city and the “It’s My City” call to action of “do a little, change a lot.”

“These amazing partnerships with local companies and with the city are wonderful examples of the power of collective impact,” said David Forsell, president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. “Working together, we can make Indianapolis the cleanest, greenest city in America.”