The Coral Throne
A World-Class Underwater Art Experience for Luxury Resorts and Dive Tourism
Pompano Beach is a wonderful place, and I would have loved for The Coral Throne™ to live there.
Learn more about the city at pompanobeachfl.gov.
In 2025, I was selected as the winner of the sculpture commission for Shipwreck Park by the City of Pompano Beach, Florida.
I then proceeded to build a full scope public art plan, tourism campaign, sculpture brand, Instagram pages, and dedicated web presence for The Coral Throne™.
Welcome to CoralThrone.com
This was all intended to uplift Pompano Beach and drive tourism and economic opportunity, all the while creating and installing a world-class, iconic metal sculpture.
Despite 288,000+ reel views, 25,000+ site visits in one two week period, diver and reef conservation interest from over 25 countries…
…the selected sculpture was canceled after I proposed revisions to the contract.
During that time, divers and conservationists expressed strong interest in the project.
The City stated that its contracts are issued as-is, and that editing, revisions, or negotiation were not permitted.
To be clear: a city, dive site, luxury hotel, or any commissioning body has every right to ask for whatever terms it believes are appropriate. I don't deny that.
An artist also has the right to politely say no.
In the end, we couldn’t agree on intellectual property and other terms.
Specifically, the proposed agreement required:
> Transfer of full intellectual property ownership of the sculpture
> Assignment of all derivative rights, in perpetuity
> Contract language broad enough to restrict future underwater or throne-based sculpture concepts anywhere
> An attached exhibit asserting ownership and control over this website
> Indeterminate end dates and no clear liability caps for insurance
Protections against direct duplication are normal in public art.
Permanent ownership of an artist’s body of work — past and future — is not.
“No duplicates”? Reasonable.
“Never another underwater throne sculpture, anywhere, ever”?
Not so much.
So I declined. And kept my rights.
Following that decision, I received a request to clarify municipal affiliation, which included a cease and desist letter.
THEREFORE:
This website is no longer affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated in any way with the City of Pompano Beach, Florida.
No hard feelings — just different contracts.
We’re good.
Why This Site Still Exists;
This site remains online as a demonstration project — documenting what The Coral Throne™ can deliver.
It shows how a site-specific sculpture concept can resonate globally within the dive and public-art communities, driving tourism and economic impact.
The Coral Throne™ is not tied to one city or one location.
So now, The Coral Throne™ is open and avaliable to any City, dive sites, luxury hotel, destinations, resorts, and partners world-wide that dreams bigger.
NOTE:
There are no replicas.
Every Coral Throne™ installation is a one-of-a-kind sculpture, designed exclusively for its site and commissioning partner.
To those who see the opportunity and want to explore what it could become in their waters.
The Coral Throne™ is available. To any location bold enough to have it.
Questions? → michael@michaelherold.com
Read the full backstory here.
Site language is being updated in good faith to clarify municipal affiliation.
The Coral Throne
A World-Class Underwater Art Experience for Luxury Resorts and Dive Tourism
🌴 Example Destination - is Your Location
Originally envisioned for world renowned South Florida diving location, this concept showcases how The Coral Throne™ can drive tourism, media attention, and environmental storytelling through an iconic underwater sculpture experience.
This webpage serves as one example of how the concept can be adapted to your specific location — whether your site is a luxury resort, marine sanctuary, reef restoration zone, or shipwreck park.
The Example Begins Here...
Welcome to [Your Location Name Here]
Your warmest welcome awaits.
Nestled along a vibrant coastline, [your destination] offers more than pristine beaches — it thrives as a hub for art, marine conservation, eco-tourism, and elevated visitor experiences.
🎨
What a project like this can bring to your city, dive site, or luxury location
Forward‑thinking coastal communities, dive locations, and luxury accommodations that invest in public art and outdoor sculpture often see increased tourism, media visibility, and local pride. Destinations experiencing redevelopment and visitor growth are especially fertile ground for iconic installations that attract international attention and create lasting cultural landmarks.
🌊 With world‑class diving just offshore and a rich array of attractions — from museums and parks to waterfront dining — the visitor experience is unmatched.
🌅 What Visitors Encounter
🏖️ Nearly three miles of surf-safe beaches, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and scenic family play.
🎠 Over 50 parks and playgrounds, including splash pads and inclusive play areas for kids of all ages.
🖼️ A walkable downtown arts district, with galleries, events, and food — from oceanfront dining to casual cafés
👨👩👧 Family Adventure Highlights
🦋 Marine Sanctuary – our beautiful coral reef - glass bottom boat tours
🔬 Art Museum – hands-on exhibits, marine tanks, and planetarium shows
🏛️ Historical Mansion – step into the city’s rich history
🎣 Family Pier & Fishing Village – rent gear, walk the pier, grab seaside snacks
⛳ Golfing, Casino and Amusement Park – upscale fun, games, and family-friendly entertainment
🚤 Water Sports & Rentals – bikes, jet skis, kayaks, or water taxi tours
🎣 Fishing Charters & Sunset Cruises – unforgettable ocean adventures
🤿 Dive or snorkel with us — a marine wonderland just offshore
→ Explore the Coral Throne Dive Sites »
🗺️ Plan Your Visit
🗺️ Access + Events
♿ We are inclusive and welcoming — with wheelchair beach access, inclusive parks, and a packed calendar of seasonal festivals and family events.
🎪 From festivals and art shows to food truck nights and ocean sports, there’s always something happening.
📸 Whether you're here for a weekend escape, a family adventure, or to experience one-of-a-kind public art, we deliver a complete and memorable visit.
🌠 Imagine the Possibilities — Arrive With Your Family...
☀️ A morning on the beach — building sandcastles, swimming, paddleboarding.
🐠 An afternoon exploring our luxury location or diving in our pristine waters.
🎶 Evenings filled with waterfront dining, live music, or a round of golf.
And rising nearby — on the beach or below the waves — The Coral Throne, a sculptural beacon of art, imagination, and civic pride.
🎉 Let’s build something unforgettable — wherever you are.
