APP LINK -- https://www.noisywatersmuralfest.com/artist-requirements -- World-renowned muralists gather in Bellingham, WA for a weekend of mural painting, demos, music, parties, workshops and inspiration. In 2025, we anticipate more than 8,000 attendees to join the festival for a friendly art competition, in which muralists will have three days to paint 8’x’8’ portable walls on public display for the community to enjoy. Attendees will vote for their favorites and the top three winners will receive cash contracts to paint large murals in Bellingham. In addition, Noisy Waters hosts the Indigeversal Collective- a collaborative mural installation led and produced by First Nation Artists from across North America. Bellingham is nestled in Whatcom County. The word “Whatcom” is derived from the Lhaq'temish word Xwot'qom, which translates to “noisy water.” This festival aims to make noise in Bellingham by hosting a confluence of vibrant muralists and artists. Noisy Waters Mural Festival is produced by Paper Whale, a Bellingham-based non-profit cultural accelerator dedicated to activating underutilized spaces by uplifting voices through art and culture. We co-create Noisy Waters on Coast Salish Land, the home of the Lummi and Nooksack people, and this event is dedicated to the first inhabitants of this place. ARTIST REQUIREMENTS Please read our Noisy Waters Festival FAQ 1) Applications open March 4, 2025, 8:00 AM 2) Each application requires a $20 processing fee 3) The selected eight finalists will receive a $650 stipend upon check-in to help defray expenses 4) Artists are responsible for their own lodging. 5) Primed panels provided by Paper Whale. Artists bring their own supplies 6) Artists check-in and set-up begins at the festival site between 4:00 - 6:00 PM on Thursday (8/14/2025). This will be followed by a welcome reception hosted by Paper Whale. 7) Painting times Friday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. All painting must be completed by Sunday, August 17th at 2:00 PM. Awards to follow. 8) Finalists will paint an 8ft x 8ft primed wall. 9) No projectors or painting during off hours. Stencils OK. 10) Recipients of commission awards will be announced on Sunday, August 18 at 2:30 PM 11) Artists must be present to win 12) Paintings from the festival will be auctioned off and the artists will be compensated a 70% commission 13) Winners of the Prize Walls agree to the prize money as a set budget for the installation of the prize wall, including materials, travel, and lodging. This is non-negotiable. 14) Winners of Prize Walls agree to paint the mural prior to August 2026 ​ Commissioned work will not have to replicate the mural painted at the event. The muralist, Paper Whale, and business owner will collaborate on the theme for the prize walls. Artist and business owner will determine the installation timeframe. THIS YEAR’S THEME: "beyond boundaries"​