A Celebration of Art, Culture, and Community
The BFA Art Walls Mural Fest is a vibrant two-day event that brings together artists, non-profit organizations, and the broader community to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and cultural impact. This inaugural festival will take place on Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at History Fort Lauderdale. The event aims to showcase the power of art in fostering connections and promoting meaningful dialogue.
What to Expect at the Festival
The festival will feature 10 local arts and culture non-profits paired with 10 established and emerging artists. Each artist will create an eight-foot-by-eight-foot mural inspired by the mission of their partnered non-profit organization. These murals will not only serve as artistic expressions but also as symbols of the organizations’ contributions to the community.
Before the main event, there will be a special celebration called BFA Art & Spirits on Thursday, February 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the BBX Capital Gallery. This event will offer an exclusive liquor tasting and art exhibit, featuring participating artists and organizations, along with BFA’s sponsors and supporters.
Opportunities for Artists
Artists interested in participating are encouraged to apply. The application period for artists opens on Wednesday, October 1, and closes on Monday, November 10. To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Florida, with preference given to South Florida artists. Both established artists with 10 or more public works and emerging artists with up to 10 public works are welcome to apply.
Selected artists will be notified on Thursday, November 20. The application process requires artists to indicate whether they are an emerging or established artist, submit their bio, and provide 10–15 images of previous murals or large-scale works. They must also include a brief statement explaining their interest in participating. Artists should be open to collaborating with a non-profit partner and incorporating the organization’s mission or values into the mural design while maintaining their creative style.
Artists can apply through the CAFÉ website. Established artists will receive a $2,000 mural honorarium and a $200 stipend for displaying artwork at BBX Capital. Emerging artists will receive a $1,000 mural honorarium and a $200 stipend. Additional benefits include live mural creation during the event, a four-month exhibition and sales opportunity at BBX Capital, and the chance to connect with community leaders, fellow artists, and potential collaborators.
Opportunities for Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations interested in participating can also apply. The application period for non-profits opens on Wednesday, October 1, and closes on Monday, November 10. Selected organizations will be announced on Thursday, November 20.
Participation allows non-profits to showcase their work over two days and collaborate with a professional artist who will create a mural based on their mission. They will also gain visibility, recruit volunteers, and engage the community through a free vendor table at the event. This experience helps highlight their impact, build lasting connections, and allow them to be part of a community arts event focused on collaboration and creativity.
Selected non-profits will receive a $1,000 stipend and the completed mural to display at their location. There is also an optional opportunity for non-profits to perform during the festival. Applications require the name of the organization, its mission statement, and contact information for a primary point of contact.
Non-profits will be evaluated based on their status as established arts and cultural organizations in Broward County, their ability to promote the event through social media and email campaigns, their community impact, and the presence of youth programs. Five youth-oriented non-profits will be selected if applicable.
Sponsors and Support
This year’s sponsors include BBX Capital, Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). For additional information, contact BFA’s Executive Director Robyn Vegas at 954-940-4933 or rvegas@bfabroward.org. Full event details are available at https://bfabroward.org/programs/bfa-art-walls-mural-fest/.
About Business for the Arts Broward
Business for the Arts Broward is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate for and educate about the importance of the county’s art and cultural community. The organization highlights the connection between cultural vitality, creative success, and economic development. More information can be found at www.Facebook.com/BFABroward or www.bfabroward.org.