THE CORAL THRONE

What Happened to the Coral Throne in Pompano Beach? 

The Coral Throne was originally selected for permanent underwater installation off the coast of Pompano Beach, Florida — a monumental sculpture designed to inspire divers, boost marine tourism, and evolve into a living reef over time. 

The project gained strong momentum, generating 288,000 Instagram reel views and 25,000 website visits in a two-week period, with enthusiastic support from the dive and conservation communities.  

Then it was canceled. 

After months of collaboration, the project ended when I declined to sign a non-negotiable contract that would have permanently transferred all copyrights, design rights, and derivative use of the Coral Throne to the city and its partners. 

In short: I could no longer build on my own idea — but others could. As an artist, I believe in partnership, not forfeiture. 

I offered generous, standard terms for public display and co-promotion. But I was unwilling to permanently surrender creative ownership. 

No drama. 
Just a firm line. 

The Coral Throne still exists — and the full story is worth telling. 

“I was asked to give away the Coral Throne — not just the sculpture, but the entire idea. 
I said no.” — Michael Herold

Read the full backstory and contract summary here.

🗞️ For Press & Media Inquiries 
A detailed timeline and contract summary are available for those who want to understand the decision more deeply. 

Journalists and editors interested in covering the Coral Throne story, public art contract disputes, or broader questions of creative rights in municipal projects are welcome to reach out: 

Michael Herold
📧 coralthrone@gmail.com
📷 Instagram: @thecoralthrone | @heroldsculpture
🌐 Website: www.coralthrone.com 
🌐 Artist Website: www.michaelherold.com

📰 Previous Press & Publicity Page Prior to Cancelation:
The Coral Throne™ is expected to draw attention far and wide — from divers and public art lovers to journalists, environmentalists, and global travelers. It’s not just a sculpture. It’s a story — one rooted in marine conservation, artistic imagination, and the dream of creating something unforgettable beneath the sea.

📣 A Vision for Underwater Art & Eco-Tourism
Public art of this caliber creates lasting visibility. The Coral Throne offers a compelling media narrative that highlights: 
* The potential for destination cities to attract international attention
*​ The role of underwater sculpture in conservation, education, and cultural identity

🗞️ Potential Media Coverage 
This project presents opportunities for positive coverage in: 
* Diving and Scuba Magazines
* National & international travel publications 
* Public art and design magazines 
* Marine and conservation outlets 
* Local and regional news 
* Social media from divers, creators, and influencers 

🎯 Suggested Story Angles 
* Art as an Economic Driver – How public art boosts tourism and local business 
* Diving into Art – The global trend of underwater sculpture parks 
* From Beach to Reef – Following The Coral Throne’s two lives above and below the surface 
* Artist Profile – Michael Herold’s creative approach to blending geometry, humor, and environmentalism 

🤝 For Press Inquiries 
We welcome interviews, features, and collaborative media opportunities. 

🔍 Coverage Coming Soon 
As The Coral Throne takes shape, this page will be updated with press quotes, features, and links. 

In the meantime, if you’re a journalist, editor, or content creator looking for a story that blends myth, metal, reef-building, and Florida magic… 

You’ve found it.