ECHDC & ASI announce applications for Canalside Mural Fest to celebrate America 250

Submission deadline: May 13; apply here

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. press release

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. and Arts Services Inc. announced applications are open for Western New York artists to participate in the Canalside Mural Fest. The mural festival will transform Buffalo’s premier waterfront into a “living gallery” as part of events marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. By exploring New York’s pivotal role during the American revolutionary era and beyond, these temporary works will offer a vibrant, evolving tribute to Buffalo’s history and resilience.

Interested artists, muralists and creatives are encouraged to apply by the May 13 deadline here.

“Canalside has always been a place where history and community converge, making it the perfect stage for this tribute to the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding,” ECHDC Chairperson Joan Kesner said. “These temporary murals will offer a unique lens through which we can view New York’s pivotal role in the revolutionary era and beyond. We invite our creative community to help us activate this space with vibrant, thought-provoking works that celebrate both our past and our future.”

ASI Executive Director Jen Swan-Kilpatrick “We’re excited to collaborate with Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. and Buffalo Waterfront on a project that brings art directly into one of Buffalo’s most vibrant public spaces. Canalside Mural Fest is about more than just the finished work, it’s about creating opportunities for people to engage with artists, ask questions, and experience the energy of live creation. Events like this help make art more accessible and, in turn, building a stronger creative community in WNY.”

Selected artists will be assigned one of the following themes, drawn from the NYS 250th commemoration field guide, to guide their design proposals. Artists may indicate a preferred theme; however, preferences are not guaranteed, as each theme will be assigned to only one artist.

•“Indigenous History is New York’s History”: Highlighting peaceful trade, coexistence, or the complex political/military alliances of Indigenous nations during the revolution. Please note: This theme centers Indigenous contributions and will prioritize artists who identify as members of a regional Indigenous community.

•“Power of Place”: Exploring how the geography of Buffalo, Lake Erie and the Erie Canal shaped history and local identity.

•“Unfinished Revolutions”: Examining ongoing struggles for equity, justice, and the changing definition of who "belongs" or is considered a "citizen."

•“Community Builders”: Highlighting underrepresented stories, including those of women, enslaved people, and diverse populations on the homefront.

•“Changing Interpretations of the Revolution”: Interpreting the past through modern eyes or focusing on how historical events were commemorated (or ignored) over the past 250 years.

Applications are open to individual artists and collaborative teams with mural experience. Preference will be given to artists living in Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties, or the Native nations that share this geography. Murals will be painted on temporary, freestanding walls. The “walls” will be constructed of MDO plywood panels with an 8-by-8-foot paintable surface. Artists are required to paint live over two days, Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12, to complete the mural. In the event of inclement weather, the rain dates are Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19. Additional information can be found here.

Each participant or participant group will receive $2,000 in compensation. Participants are required to purchase and bring their own supplies and materials but are not required to provide their own insurance. Artists selected to advance to the semifinalist round, but not ultimately chosen for the event, will receive a $150 stipend in recognition of their time.

Questions about the call, application requirements, deadlines or submission process can be directed to ASI at info@asiwny.org or 716-833-3004, ext. 515.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the foundational document of the American Revolution that occurred between 1774-83 and resulted in the creation of the United States of America. What is now the state of New York played an immense and vital role in both the revolutionary era and the subsequent 250 years of American history.