Call Description

Call to Artists: BFA Art Walls Mural Fest and Exhibition Opportunity.

Business for the Arts Broward (BFA) invites muralists to apply for the inaugural BFA Art Walls Mural Fest, a two-day outdoor festival in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, February 28–March 1, 2026.

COMPENSATION

Established Artists: $2,000 mural honorarium, $200 stipend to display artwork in BBX Capital.

Emerging Artists: $1,000 mural honorarium, $200 stipend to display in artwork BBX Capital.

Additional benefits include:

• Live mural creation during a high-profile public event.
• Exhibition/sales opportunity to display work for 4 months at BBX Capital and during the Art & Spirits Pre-Event. (Feb 26, 2026)
• Build connections with community leaders, nonprofits, fellow muralists, art collectors, business community and future collaborators.
• Murals will be donated to partner art and cultural nonprofits, offering lasting visibility and meaningful impact

PROJECT DETAILS

Artists will create murals on 8’ x 8’ freestanding panels installed on the grounds of History Fort Lauderdale, 231 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

Each muralist will be paired with a local nonprofit organization.

Each Muralist will have the opportunity to hang additional artwork in BBX Capital for a 4-month exhibition.

IMPORTANT DATES

Call Opens: October 1, 2025

Application Deadline: November 10, 2025

Jury: November 10–18, 2025

Artist Notification:  November 20, 2026

Art & Spirits Pre-Event Night: February 26, 2026

Festival Dates: February 28–March 1, 2026

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The BFA Art Walls Mural Fest will transform downtown Fort Lauderdale into a vibrant cultural destination. Ten muralists will create live free-standing murals that connect art and community, alongside performances, youth activities, food, and nonprofit engagement. The event is free and open to the public.

ABOUT EXHIBITING AT BBX CAPITAL:

Each artist will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in the BBX Capital Gallery, an established corporate art space. The exhibition will showcase the artworks of selected muralists for four months and serve as a highlight of the Art & Spirits pre-festival event, attended by festival sponsors, the business community, and art collectors. All artworks will be offered for sale with proceeds distributed as 75% to the artist and 25% to BFA.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit via CaFE:

• Indicate whether you are an emerging or established muralist. 

• Artist bio

• 10-15 images of previous mural or large-scale work (include budget in the “price” line)

• Brief statement on your interest in participating in this festival.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to Florida muralists, with preference given to South Florida artists.

Both established (10 or more public works) and emerging artists (1-10 public works) are encouraged to apply.

Artists should be open to collaborating with an arts and cultural nonprofit partner, incorporating the nonprofit’s mission or values into the mural design, while staying true to their own creative aesthetic.