Submissions accepted now for Boston
Why Participate?
-Transform your building into a permanent cultural landmark
-Receive a professionally curated, large-scale mural at no costIncrease visibility, foot traffic, and neighborhood pride
-Be part of a city-wide arts & culture movementGain media exposure and community recognitionMurals will be created by local and nationally recognized artists and celebrated during a free, community-wide festival in Boston.
What We’re Looking For:
-Highly visible exterior wallsCommercial buildings, storefronts, warehouses, residential buildings Walls in Roxbury and surrounding neighborhoods.
-Blank or paintable surfaces in good condition
How It Works:
You submit your wall for considerationOur team reviews and selects locationsWe match walls with artists and handle production, permits, and executionYou get a beautiful, professionally produced mural at no cost
Wall Partner/Property Owner FAQs :
When is the mural festival?
June 4-13, 2026 When is the deadline to submit my wall? We will accept wall submissions for the 2026 Boston festival through May 1. 2026. Do you accept residential walls?We prefer commercial walls because they are usually more prominent and publicly accessible. We do make exceptions for walls that have great public access and visibility. Do wall partners get to pick the Artist for their wall location?Not directly. Our selection and curatorial committee selects the artists for the festival. We do our best to provide wall partners with artists and concepts they are excited about to create strong and meaningful partnerships. Wall partners will have the opportunity to review the artist and mural design prior to the festival.
How are Artists selected?
Artists apply through our application period in January. The artists are then juried based on a set rubric by our committee. Artists are chosen based on their application proposal including aesthetics, cultural relevance, diversity and social/community benefit. Our curatorial committee is made up of founding members, artists and other community members that are knowledgeable and experienced in the arts and culture sector.
When do we find out which artist will paint our wall?
After the selection process is complete, and we have our top group of artists, we will contact you to discuss the artists that are best suited for your wall and location. This process will take place beginning March of 2026.
When do we find out which artist will paint our wall?After the selection process is complete, and we have our top group of artists, we will contact you to discuss the artists that are best suited for your wall and location. This process will take place beginning April of 2026.
Site Preparation:
This may involve pressure washing to remove dirt and debris, repairing any cracks or irregularities in the surface. The application of an undercoating can then take place to seal the surface. This work can be done by the mural team and/or community volunteers.
Mural Painting:
The artist facilitates the mural painting. Styles and techniques vary and can include the use of stencils or tape to refine an image/design, or a design can be laid out using a large projection. When painting is complete, the mural surface should be protected with a sealant (e.g., graffiti guard). This protects the mural from sun damage and enables easy cleaning if it is tagged. (You can clean the mural with water and a cloth, but no detergents or brushes.). Applying a sealant is not a requirement and the mural team (artist/site owner) should discuss this decision at the onset of the project.
Documentation:The artist or business owner can document the development of the mural, either by video or photography, as a record of the process. We recommend building owners consider employing a professional photographer or videographer for best results.
Wall Agreement:
The wall agreement outlines use of property for sole purpose of painting mural and preparing wall for mural. We ask that property owner agree not to whitewash over the mural for a period of two years.
Do we have to financially contribute to the festival?
* Mural expenses are real, and ALL Artists are paid. Expenses vary depending on wall size and accessibility and include artist fees, wall preparation, supplies and equipment, labor and insurance. Wall partners are not required to cover wall budget, but we do hope that they considering making a contribution towards the festival. If you are interested in sponsorship, we can also offer customized sponsorship packages based on the goals of the business or organization that offer additional promotional and event opportunities.
If you have additional questions or you’d like to request a full sponsorship deck, please contact: Laura Milanes @lmilanes@labeltheagency.com or www.blkoutwalls.com