Organizer Information
The Nelson International Mural Festival is organized by the Nelson & District Arts Council (NDAC), a non-profit community arts organization dedicated to fostering creativity, cultural expression, and public engagement in the arts within the Nelson region of British Columbia, Canada. Established to advocate for artists and cultural initiatives, NDAC supports a wide array of programs, including exhibitions, workshops, and community events that bring together diverse voices. The festival itself has grown into a signature annual event since its inception, transforming urban spaces through vibrant public art while promoting inclusivity and collaboration. By partnering with local businesses, volunteers, and international artists, NDAC ensures the festival not only beautifies the city but also strengthens community ties, educates residents on global artistic perspectives, and stimulates economic activity through tourism. This platform has previously hosted renowned muralists like Anto Otoya and Anaïs Lera, whose works continue to inspire visitors via interactive audio tours, underscoring NDAC's commitment to accessible, high-impact public art initiatives that celebrate multiculturalism and environmental awareness in a scenic mountain setting.
Title & Description
Nelson International Mural Festival 2026 Artist Call
This open call seeks talented muralists to contribute to the 2026 edition of the Nelson International Mural Festival, a dynamic three-day celebration of street art, cultural exchange, and community vibrancy. The purpose is to invite global creators to adorn Nelson's urban landscape with large-scale murals that tell personal, cultural, or thematic stories, fostering a safe and inclusive space for people of all backgrounds to connect through art. Selected artists will design and execute site-specific murals on designated walls, collaborating with locals and fellow participants to enhance the city's aesthetic and narrative fabric. The festival emphasizes themes of creativity, diversity, and environmental harmony, with each mural becoming a permanent fixture accessible via an audio tour featuring artist interviews and contextual insights. This opportunity allows muralists to immerse in a supportive, festival atmosphere while leaving a lasting legacy in a picturesque Canadian town known for its artistic heritage.
Categories
Muralism and street art (large-scale public murals, including techniques such as spray paint, acrylics, and community-involved installations).
Eligibility
Open internationally to professional and emerging muralists, street artists, and creators of all ages, genders, cultures, and abilities. No specific restrictions are noted, though applicants should demonstrate experience in public art and the ability to complete a mural within the festival timeframe. Wall owners may also apply separately to host murals, but this call focuses on artists.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected artists receive complimentary participation in the festival, including access to provided materials (paint, ladders, and safety equipment where feasible), on-site support from volunteers, and high-visibility exposure through the event's programming, which draws thousands of attendees. Benefits include feature in the official audio tour with personalised interviews, promotion via NDAC's social media and website, networking opportunities with international peers and local curators, and potential for future commissions or residencies inspired by the festival's success. While no cash prizes are specified, the prestige of contributing to a permanent public collection—viewed year-round by residents and tourists—serves as a significant professional accolade, often leading to media coverage and portfolio enhancement. Past participants have gained international recognition, with works becoming icons of Nelson's cultural identity.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Artist bio and CV (highlighting relevant experience in mural or public art projects)
- Portfolio of 5-10 high-resolution images of previous murals or street art works, including details on scale, medium, and context
- Project proposal (description of proposed mural concept, theme, size, and estimated completion time; must align with festival ethos)
- Contact information (name, email, phone, website/social media if applicable)
- References (2-3 professional contacts familiar with your work)
- Any additional supporting materials, such as sketches or videos demonstrating your process
All submissions should emphasize originality, community impact, and feasibility for outdoor execution.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
Application Deadline: 22 December 2025
Location
Nelson, British Columbia, Canada
Additional Details
The festival is free admission, family-friendly, and operates rain or shine, with contingency plans for heavy wildfire smoke (potential indoor relocation). Amenities include a raised stage for performances, shaded seating, a kids' activity tent, a first aid station, an info tent with maps, and cooling misters. Accessibility features encompass wheelchair-friendly paths, washrooms (open until 10:30 pm on festival evenings), and a detailed Access Guide available at https://ndac.ca/nelson-mural-festival-access/. Limited parking encourages carpooling, public transit, walking, or biking; no on-site vending, so support local eateries. Artists must adhere to safety protocols and environmental guidelines, with NDAC providing volunteer assistance but expecting self-sufficiency in execution. Selected muralists may need to cover personal travel/accommodation (though stipends could be explored for international applicants—confirm during selection). Follow NDAC on social media for updates, volunteer opportunities, or wall-hosting calls. This event not only amplifies underrepresented voices but also integrates art with Nelson's natural beauty, creating enduring community landmarks.