If you are a Professional Muralist that wants to participate in BRUSH Mural Fest 2026, you are in the right spot! In this application, we are looking for experienced artists who have a passion for mentoring emerging artists. Experience as a muralist and as a leader and collaborator is a must! We can’t wait to review your application.
ABOUT BRUSH MURAL FEST
BRUSH Mural Festival, founded in 2022 by three local muralists, is Baltimore's very own hyper-local mural festival dedicated to empowering the city’s muralists. Created for artists, by artists, BRUSH’s mission is to uplift the artistic community by providing opportunities for education, engagement, and employment. We focus on fostering economic independence among Baltimore's muralists through a comprehensive workforce development program that enhances financial literacy, facilitates mentorship, and offers creative business resources. Artists are given the chance to unleash their creativity on murals, enjoying the freedom to express their vision while adhering to collaborative guidelines.
Together, we are committed to creating a mural festival that:
- Highlights the talent & charm of Baltimore City through the power of murals
- Provides opportunities for emerging muralists to become a part of the local mural industry in Baltimore
- Empowering artists to build their careers HERE within their community
Please email support@brushmuralfest.com if you have any questions or issues with your application.
ELIGIBILITY
- All Applicants MUST be over 18 to apply.
- All applicants MUST be first-time PRO participants in BRUSH Mural Fest.
- All applicants MUST live OR work in Baltimore City to apply.
- All Applicants MUST have General Liability Insurance to apply.
- As a mural festival this year, while all applications will be considered, priority will be accorded to individuals who self-identify as members of underrepresented minority groups.
- This year we are not accepting applications from artist teams.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed.
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
One of the pillars of BRUSH Mural Fest is centered around our commitment to ensuring that participating artists receive the resources needed to succeed. This includes a robust mentorship program between selected professional muralists and emerging artists.
- “PRO” - Professional Muralist that showcases a large portfolio and proficiency in handling large-scale mural installations.
- “Rising Star” - Artists, 18 years or older, with 0-2 painted murals experience and a plan to focus on murals as their main medium.
The Mentorship Program will be tailored to each partnership, with guidance provided for mentors throughout the festival.
BRUSH organizers will pair you with your mentee based on your artistic styles. We will be by your side to help with your journey as a mentor, with a virtual training session, handbook and guidance along the way.
TIMELINE
- Applications Open on June 1, 2026
- Applications close on June 18, 2026 at 11:59pm
- Artists Selected by July 1, 2026
- Mural installation absolutely MUST be completed by September 25, 2026
EVENTS
MANDATORY
Total estimated BRUSH PRO Muralist Time Commitment is 35 hours of programmatic expectations (events, mentorship, etc) plus mural painting time.
- July 9: BRUSH Artist Orientation (virtual)
- July 15: Artist Meet & Greet - location TBD
- Aug 5: Mentorship Check In 1 (virtual)
- Sept 2: Mentorship Check In (virtual)
- Sept 12-25: Painting weeks - PROs are fully responsible for the completion of their mural
- Sept 26: BRUSH Mural Fest
- Sept 30: Mentorship Check In 3 (virtual)
OPTIONAL
- July 20-22: BRUSHWork Incubator Program
- Sept 10: Community Paint Day
MURAL DETAILS
- Each mural will measure approximately 200 square feet
- Artist Stipend is $4,700.00 inclusive of design fee, materials, and mural completion
- Artists are expected to supply their own painting supplies (brushes, drop clothes, buckets, chalk, etc.)
- BRUSH will determine when / if a lift is necessary for mural completion. If it is required, BRUSH will cover the cost of the lift.
DESIGN PARAMETERS
While artists will be given full creative freedom for this festival, BRUSH will be implementing the following design parameters:
- No profanity or otherwise vulgar language or imagery
- No Imagery associated with specific religious, political, or gang-affiliated groups
- No sexually explicit and/or obscene content, content depicting illegal activities, gore and/or graphic violence
- No offensive content; recognized signs of hatred or discrimination against any race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, religion, age, ancestry, marital status, familial status, gender identity, or expression
- No words, logos, emblems, trademarks, or other similar devices that identify or advertise any product, service, or business other than BRUSH Mural Fest.