Murals and other forms of storytelling public art are often used to entice people to frequent neighborhoods that are in the first stages of experiencing a cultural revival. Traditionally, this revitalization happens incrementally over a period of months to years. For those looking for a more immediate transformation, however, the National Mural Awards presents our 48 Hour Mural Festival.

We coordinate with local developers, art agencies, and neighborhood associations to create a weekend-long art immersion/block party in which murals are taken from design, to application, to finished product in a mere two days. Similar to film and theatre festivals of the same nature, the 48 Hour Mural Festival provides not only an opportunity for local artists to feature their skills, but with multiple works being created during the celebration simultaneously, large structures or even full city blocks can pop with color and pictorial narrative almost overnight.

The great thing about a hosting a 48 Hour Mural Festival is that everyone involved benefits. Artists love it for the challenge of creating something impactful while on a time crunch and the communal aspect of working side-by-side with other artists. Local businesses and charitable organizations love it for the revenue it can generate in terms of donations and sponsorship opportunities. And developers love it for love the excitement it can generate around a neighborhood and the earned media opportunities it creates that can be used to draw attention to their projects.

If you’re interested in hosting a 48 Hour Mural Festival in your city, contact us to get started!

The inaugural Pittsburgh 48 Hour Mural Project will be taking place September 26th - 28th in conjunction with the 48 Hour Film Horror Project. Murals will be painted at the Former Leslie Park Pool Site located at 4600 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Artists will be on site painting all weekend, with the Community Unveiling happening Sunday, Sept 28 between 7:00 - 9:00pm

Sponsors for the Pittsburgh 48 are:

Here is a video of our recent 48 Hour Mural Project in jacksonville, Florida: