EMF Announces Major New Partnerships, Public Art Investments, and Opportunities for 2026

The Edmonton Mural Festival is proud to announce a series of major milestones that will help shape the future of public art in Edmonton.

As the festival prepares for its fourth year, EMF is expanding its impact through new funding, new partnerships, and new opportunities that will support artists, strengthen communities, and bring more public art to Edmonton than ever before.

Edmonton Arts Council Commits to Multi-Year Partnership

The Edmonton Arts Council has committed to a multi-year partnership with the Edmonton Mural Festival. This investment will help EMF support artists, strengthen programming, and continue delivering public art experiences across Edmonton.

"The Edmonton Arts Council is proud to support the work of the Edmonton Mural Festival in adding vibrancy, colour and beauty to downtown Edmonton."— Reneé Williams, CEO, Edmonton Arts Council

Launching the National Bank Arts District Mural Program

Together with National Bank, EMF is proud to launch the Arts District Mural Program, a new multi-year initiative that will bring public art to the heart of Edmonton's Arts District.

The program will connect visual art, theatre, music, literature, and community through public space, creating new cultural experiences throughout downtown Edmonton.

"The National Bank Arts District Mural Program represents exactly the kind of partnership that helps public art thrive. We recognize that great cities are built through culture, community, and shared experiences. This support allows us to create public artworks that celebrate Edmonton's creative spirit while building a lasting cultural legacy in the Arts District."

— Kyle Parrotta, Philanthropy Director, Edmonton Mural Festival

Paityn Savoie Selected for Inaugural Citadel Theatre Mural

As part of the new Arts District Mural Program, Indigenous artist Paityn Savoie has been selected to create the inaugural mural on the Citadel Theatre.

Located in the heart of downtown Edmonton, the mural will celebrate community, creativity, and the coming together of the arts. As the first project in this multi-year initiative, it will help establish a lasting public art legacy while reflecting the vibrant cultural spirit of Edmonton.

"At the Citadel Theatre, we believe stories belong everywhere, not only on our stages, but throughout the spaces where people gather. We are thrilled to partner with Paityn Savoie on this exciting mural project and to help create a lasting work of art that celebrates creativity, connects community, and enriches the experience of everyone who visits the Arts District and the Citadel."

— Jessie van Rijn, Executive Director, Citadel Theatre

Sonic 102.9 and Rogers Media Continue National Media Partnership

The Edmonton Mural Festival is also celebrating the continued support of Sonic 102.9 and Rogers Media as its national media sponsor.

Since the festival's earliest days, Sonic has helped amplify the voices of local artists and share the stories behind Edmonton's growing public art movement with audiences across the city.

"Sonic 102.9 has been with us from the beginning and has played a vital role in helping the Edmonton Mural Festival grow. Their belief in our mission and ability to connect with audiences across the city has helped us share the stories of artists and public art with hundreds of thousands of Edmontonians."

— Marcus Coldeway, Creative Director & Curator, Edmonton Mural Festival

The Edmonton Mural Festival is hiring its first Canada Summer Jobs student.

This new position will support festival operations while providing hands-on experience in public art, event production, community engagement, marketing, and artist development.

"Investing in artists is investing in community. Every mural creates opportunities for connection, celebrates local stories, and helps shape a city that people are proud to live in, visit, and share."

- Anand Pye, CEO Edmonton Mural Festival

Learn more about EMF visit: https://www.edmontonmuralfest.com