Artist Applications Open for 2026 Noisy Waters Mural Festival in Bellingham
Applications are now open for muralists interested in participating in the 2026 Noisy Waters Mural Festival, taking place August 14–16, 2026 at the Bellingham waterfront. The festival invites artists from around the world to compete in a live public art event where blank walls become vibrant murals before the community’s eyes.
Over three days, selected artists will transform 8-by-8-foot portable panels into original murals while festivalgoers watch the creative process unfold in real time. By the end of the weekend, attendees vote for their favorite pieces, and the top three artists earn paid commissions to return and paint large-scale murals across Bellingham.
Produced by the Bellingham-based nonprofit Paper Whale, the Noisy Waters Mural Festival has become a signature cultural event for the city’s waterfront—bringing together internationally recognized muralists, local creatives, and thousands of spectators for a weekend of live art, music, workshops, and community gatherings. Artists selected as finalists receive a stipend to help offset participation expenses and are provided primed painting panels for the live competition. The festival culminates in community voting and an awards ceremony celebrating the next wave of public art in Bellingham.
Beyond the competition, Noisy Waters celebrates the role of public art in shaping the identity of the city. The murals created through the festival continue to expand Bellingham’s growing collection of large-scale public artworks, adding color and storytelling to buildings and public spaces throughout the community.
Noisy Waters Mural Festival takes place on Coast Salish land, the traditional home of the Lummi and Nooksack peoples, and honors the cultural history of the region. The festival’s name references the Lhaq'temish word “Xwot'qom,” meaning “noisy water,” the origin of the name Whatcom.
Artists interested in participating are encouraged to submit examples of past work and mural concepts for consideration.
Applications close April 16 at 5:00 PM PT.
About Paper Whale
Paper Whale is a Bellingham, WA-based nonprofit dedicated to building community through creative experiences. The organization produces cultural events, public art initiatives, and educational programs that connect artists with audiences while activating shared spaces throughout the region. By supporting artists and fostering collaboration across creative disciplines, Paper Whale works to make art more visible, accessible, and woven into everyday life in Bellingham.
