"City of Mural" Community Festival
Celebrating Art, Diversity, and Community through Public Art
About the City of Mural Community Festival
The City of Mural Community Festival is an annual event hosted by United We Go that brings together artists, community members, and visitors to celebrate the transformative power of public art. Our mission is to revitalize Bay City’s mural scene, turning public spaces into vibrant canvases that tell the unique stories of our diverse community. In doing so, we aim to bring back Bay City's proud nickname, "Mural City," by transforming the downtown landscape with beautiful, meaningful murals that reflect our culture, history, and shared values.
The significance of community involvement and public art
This festival serves as a platform for artists to showcase their talents, while also encouraging collaboration and cultural exchange among local businesses, schools, and residents. The City of Mural Community Festival is more than just an art event—it’s a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the power of community coming together.
At its core, the festival fosters community involvement through artistic expression. It’s not just about the artists; it’s about creating a space where everyone can be a part of the artistic process. From local businesses offering in-kind donations to residents joining mural workshops or contributing their handprints to the artwork, the festival invites individuals from all walks of life to contribute to the creation of public art that belongs to everyone. This collective engagement strengthens the fabric of our community and encourages a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.
The murals we create not only beautify Bay City but serve as lasting symbols of unity and inclusivity. They stand as visual stories that connect us, provoke thought, and inspire pride in the place we call home. Through the City of Mural Community Festival, we strive to build a sense of belonging and identity, all while reclaiming Bay City’s "Mural City" nickname and ensuring that public art continues to play a significant role in our city’s transformation.
Join us in bringing Bay City back to its artistic roots and contributing to the celebration of art, culture, and community that makes us all feel connected.
 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
2023 City of Mural Community Festival: A Celebratory Inaugural Year
The 2023 City of Mural Community Festival marked a significant milestone for Bay City, as it kicked off the revitalization of the city’s mural scene with its very first event. The theme of the inaugural festival was centered around unity through art, showcasing the power of public art to bring together diverse community members and create shared spaces of expression. The festival was a resounding success, attracting over 1,000 attendees and featuring the work of 10 talented mural artists who transformed a 1,000 square foot wall into a beautiful display of creativity and culture.
This first-year event not only brought vibrant art to Bay City but also strengthened the community by fostering collaboration among local businesses, artists, and residents. With the support of generous sponsors and in-kind donors, the festival created an atmosphere of creativity and connection, demonstrating the lasting impact that public art can have on revitalizing communities and celebrating diversity.
The 2023 festival set the stage for future events, proving that Bay City’s mural scene has the potential to thrive and grow, and inspiring us to continue building on the momentum of this inaugural celebration.
_edited.jpg)
Key Highlights:
-
10 mural artists, 1,000 sq. ft. of mural space, and two days of celebration.
-
1,000 attendees, 40+ vendors, 8 live musicians, and 10 speakers.
-
100 participants (adults and youth) contributing to the artwork.
-
Featured in local media and over 100 social media posts reaching 150,000 people.
2024 City of Mural Community Festival: Building on Success, Embracing New Horizons
The 2024 City of Mural Community Festival built upon the success of 2023, continuing to breathe life into Bay City through vibrant public art. With the theme of “Celebrating Diversity, Building Unity,” this year’s festival sought to amplify the spirit of inclusivity and collaboration that was established in 2023. Expanding both in scale and scope, the festival brought together 9 talented mural artists who transformed three city walls into striking works of art that tell the diverse stories of our community.
The 2024 festival was an overwhelming success, attracting over 1,000 attendees and drawing support from a wide array of sponsors and in-kind donors. With six days of festivities, live music, workshops, and a special Bubble Foam Party, the festival engaged people from all walks of life in the creation and celebration of public art. The success of this year’s event not only reinforced Bay City’s legacy as a destination for artistic expression but also strengthened its commitment to becoming a true "Mural City" once again.
Building on the incredible momentum from the inaugural event, the 2024 festival showcased the growing impact of public art in uniting and inspiring our community, while setting the stage for even greater future celebrations of creativity and cultural connection.
Key Highlights
-
9 mural artists, 1,600 sq. ft. of mural space, and 6 days of festival action.
-
Over 1,000 participants, 20+ vendors, 8 live musicians, and a Bubble Foam Party.
-
100 participants actively engaged in the painting and workshops.
-
Featured in media outlets such as Mid Michigan Now, Bay City Times, and WNEV TV 5, with social media reach of 120,000 people.
