Community Canvas
Mural Program

AUG 8th - 18th, 2024

THIS IS NOT A FESTIVAL.
It’s a conversation and this is just the beginning.

"I believe the 'Community Canvas' mural program by Arts Build Community demonstrates that New Hampshire is a community committed to investing in its future by supporting both people and projects. Murals have long served as a powerful reflection of the identity of a place or community. My hope for New Hampshire is that ‘Community Canvas’ sparks meaningful conversations and ensures that community members are heard and represented.”

— James Chase, ABC Founder

Your voice is needed

Painting the Town!

Get ready, New Hampshire! Arts Build Community is bringing a mural festival to the heart of Manchester, NH from August 8th-18th.  This will be the second Community Canvas mural program festival in the Queen City, and an opportunity to tell community stories through public art. Community Canvas will amplify community voices rather than the individual, particularly elevating the voices of marginalized communities.

Community Canvas aims to provide a creative and collaborative experience through mural-making within Manchester. Why Manchester? Because this area is part of the cultural epicenter of the city, while also being composed of many low-income residents, small businesses, and social services. A mural project within this area provides opportunities to celebrate Manchester's cultural diversity, beautify the neighborhood, and uplift the voice of community members who have been underserved.

SPONSORS

Want to sponsor a wall, event or become a festival sponsor? artsbuildcommunity@gmail.com
or click the button below

CALL FOR WALLS

Arts Build Community presents Community Canvas Mural Festival: August 2024

  • Outdoor Walls in Manchester

  • Outdoor Walls with high profile/high visibility

CALL FOR ARTISTS

Arts Build Community is looking for artists to particpate in our Community Canvas mural program.

Creating Together Builds Connections

The Community Canvas Mural Program is initiative from Arts Build Community, a New Hampshire-based group of local artists, creators, residents, organizers, businesses, and students. We believe everyone should have access to art and feel represented in their community. 

The Community Canvas Mural Program:

  • Empowers residents from marginalized communities

  • Generates a sense of belonging for community members

  • Provides opportunities for community members to tell their stories and see themselves represented creatively in their neighborhood

  • Eliminates tangible and intangible barriers to art

  • Strengthens relationships in communities

  • Reflect, listen, discuss & repeat

We want to make people proud of where they live: spark wonder, challenge perceptions, and be a catalyst for new and important conversations. Each artist will engage, research, and reflect while actively listening to community members, integrating their stories into each mural. The creative process can, and should, be a part of building community resilience. Leading up to the week-long event, the community will discuss how they want to be represented and what we hope these murals represent.