Art Seen Festival Launches 2026 Call for Regional Mural Artists – Community mural project to take place in the Village of Sanford
The Art Seen Festival Committee is excited to announce that the 2026 Call to Artists is now open, inviting muralists from across Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region to submit their portfolios for consideration by February 5, 2026. The festival’s next large-scale public art installation will take place in the Village of Sanford at Harry’s Sewer, located at 351 West Saginaw Road.
The Art Seen Festival, an event of Public Arts Midland, an initiative of the Midland Area Community Foundation, is dedicated to strengthening community connections through vibrant mural-making and live music. For 2026, the festival will select a regional artist to design and lead a community “paint by number” mural that allows residents to contribute directly to the artwork. This participatory format has become the festival’s signature experience, ensuring that public art is truly created with the community, not just for it.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Art Seen Festival to Sanford,” said Dolores Porte, President of the Village of Sanford. “Public art brings people together in meaningful ways, and this project will add beauty, energy, and connection to our village. We look forward to seeing our community take part in creating something that celebrates our bright future ahead!”
Artists interested in applying must currently reside in the Great Lakes Bay Region, be at least 18 years old, and submit a portfolio of 3 to 10 images that showcase their previous mural projects. The selection process consists of two rounds: an initial portfolio review, followed by a paid proposal phase for finalists. The artist selected for the final mural will receive a $7,500 stipend, with all materials provided.
“Public art gives our community a collective voice,” said Art Seen Festival Co-Chair, Julia Kepler. “We are excited to bring that voice to Sanford in 2026 and to continue uplifting diverse artistic perspectives from right here in our region.”
Artists interested in applying can find full details, requirements, and submission instructions on the Art Seen Festival website: midlandfoundation.org/artseen. The committee encourages local creatives to share their talents and help shape a more vibrant, inclusive Midland County.
About Art Seen Festival
Art Seen Festival is part of Public Arts Midland, a community-run initiative of the Midland Area Community Foundation. The festival celebrates public art as a powerful tool for connection, expression, and community pride. Its mission aligns with the Midland County vision statement: “Midland County: an inclusive community. Together. Forward. Bold. An exceptional place where everyone thrives.”
For more information, please visit the Art Seen Festival website or contact the Art Seen Festival Committee at artseenfestival@gmail.com.