ECHDC and ASI Announce Applications for Canalside Mural Fest to Celebrate America 250

Submission Deadline: May 13; Apply Here

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and Arts Services Inc. today 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, 2026 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," said ECHDC Chairperson Joan Kesner. "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."

"We're excited to collaborate with Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and Buffalo Waterfront on a project that brings art directly into one of Buffalo's most vibrant public spaces," said Arts Services Inc. Executive Director Jen Swan-Kilpatrick. "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 last 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, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, to complete the mural. In the event of inclement weather, the rain dates are Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 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 semi-finalist 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 Arts Services Inc. (ASI) at [email protected] 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 and 1783 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

Arts Services Inc. (ASI)

Arts Services Inc. (ASI) empowers the region's artists and arts organizations with connections to funding, learning opportunities, and community access to the arts. ASI is a resource hub for the Western New York arts and cultural sector. At ASI, we firmly believe the arts belong to everyone. By creating opportunities with the arts, we're crafting a future where people of all backgrounds can connect and find community.

About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is governed by a nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York State Governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The two non-voting, ex-officio director positions are held by the Erie County Executive and the City of Buffalo Mayor.

As a subsidiary of Empire State Development, the state's chief economic development agency, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside, the Ohio Street corridor and the Outer Harbor that is attracting critical mass, private investment and enhancing the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. Its vision is to revitalize Western New York's waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region's legacy of pride, urban significance, and natural beauty.

Contact:
Laura Magee (ECHDC) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313
Kelsey Capruso (ASI) | [email protected] | (716) 833-3004