Arts Services Inc. (ASI), on behalf of Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, along with Buffalo Waterfront, invites artists, muralists, and creatives from Western New York to apply for the Canalside Mural Fest, a two-day live painting event taking place at Buffalo’s premiere waterfront destination.

This temporary mural festival will transform Canalside into a vibrant “living gallery,” celebrating New York State’s role in the Revolutionary Era and its evolution over the past 250 years. Selected artists will create original murals on-site during the festival, engaging the public while bringing history to life through contemporary visual storytelling.

Artists will be assigned one of several themes drawn from the NYS 250th Commemoration Field Guide, exploring topics such as place-based identity, community histories, and ongoing movements for equity and belonging.

Project at a Glance

  • Location: Canalside, Buffalo, NY (Lakefront/Inner Harbor Area)
  • Event Format: Temporary outdoor mural festival (live painting)
  • Mural Surface: 8’ x 8’ freestanding wall (constructed from primed MDO panels)
  • Painting Schedule: July 11–12, 2026 (rain dates: July 18–19)
  • Daily Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Compensation:

  • $2,000 stipend per selected artist or artist team
  • $150 stipend for semi-finalists not selected for the final event

Materials & Support:

Artists are responsible for providing their own materials and equipment. A tent, table, and chairs will be provided on-site. Artists may sell their work during the event, and bringing assistance for sales is encouraged.

Read the complete Call for Artists here.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to artists and creatives of all disciplines, including (but not limited to) muralists, painters, graphic designers, tattoo artists, and street artists.

  • Open to individual artists and collaborative teams
  • Preference given to artists based in Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties, or the Native nations that share this geography
  • One optional theme will prioritize artists who identify as members of a regional Indigenous community

Submission Details

Applications must be submitted online through an online submission platform (via Jotform) and will include:

  • Contact information
  • Artist bio or resume (maximum one page)
  • 2–3 professional references
  • Portfolio (up to 5 images of past mural or large-scale work)
  • Top two theme preferences
  • A brief preliminary concept (up to 200 words or a rough sketch)

A multi-phase selection process will include an initial application review, a semi-finalist design phase, and final artist selection based on concept strength, feasibility, and visual impact.

Key Dates

  • Call Opens: April 15, 2026
  • Deadline to Apply: May 13, 2026 at 11:59pm
  • Preliminary Artist Selection: May 27, 2026
  • Semi-Finalist Sketch Due: June 10, 2026
  • Final Artist Selection: June 17, 2026
  • Mural Fest: July 11–12, 2026
  • Rain Dates: July 18–19, 2026

 

Questions?

We’re here to help! Questions about the call, application requirements, or submission process can be directed to [email protected] or (716) 833-3004 x515.