Editor's note: This story is part of Southwest Michigan's Second Wave's On the Ground Kalamazoo series.

KALAMAZOO, M. – The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo (ACGK) is officially launching a call to artists for the Brush the Block Mural Festival, a new public art event coming to Kalamazoo in 2025. For the past year, the City of Kalamazoo has been partnering with the Arts Council to cook up this highly anticipated festival, which celebrates the talent and creativity of artists in the greater Kalamazoo area. 

Scheduled to take place from September 2 to 7, 2025, the Brush the Block Mural Festival will take over the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, further cementing the city’s reputation as a hub for creativity and artistic expression. Kalamazoo was recently ranked fifth among similar mid-sized cities as one of the most arts-vibrant communities by SMU.DataArts.

Future location where a mural will go on the side of the Northside Association for Community Development, 612 N. Park“We would very much like to have public art everywhere in our city,” says Kim Shaw, Programs Director for the Arts Council. “It conveys a message that people are invested here."

Live mural painting will light up neighborhoods with color and develop a sense of placemaking, as the public engages directly with the creative process and explores new ways of transforming urban spaces.

Inspired by our region’s neighbors such as Color the Creek in Battle Creek, the Brush the Block Mural Festival hopes to attract talented muralists from across the region to transform Kalamazoo’s public spaces with their Request for Qualifications (RFQs). As these skilled artists work, the council hopes the outcome will reflect pride in the creative nature of Kalamazoo, says  Shaw, Programs Director for the Arts Council.

One of the mural locations on the side of Stamped Robin,128 Portage Street.Brush the Block is not just about murals. With live entertainment and interactive experiences for festival-goers of all ages, inviting the community to come together, celebrate creativity, and experience fabulous works of art firsthand. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor in our great city, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

The event is presented by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo (ACGK) in partnership with the City of Kalamazoo. It aims to shine a spotlight on both local and national artists who can bring something truly unique to the streets of Kalamazoo.

To maintain a high level of quality and artistic excellence, participation in Brush the Block will be by invitation only, with interested artists to submit their applications by February 21, 2025. The selection process will be rigorous, with a committee from the ACGK reviewing each application and portfolio to ensure that the invited artists reflect the same vibrance and talent our community holds. Artists selected to participate will be notified by May 20, 2025, and upon accepting their invitation, they will receive detailed instructions to help guide them through the process.

Future location of Kalamazoo Transit, 530 N. Rose St.Three prime locations have already been confirmed as mural spaces for the festival, including high-profile sites at the Kalamazoo Transit Center, 530 N. Rose Street, the Northside Association for Community Development, 612 N. Park Street, and Stamped Robin, 128 Portage Street. These locations will serve as canvases for the selected artists, offering a unique opportunity to create large-scale works that will be on display to enjoy long after the festival ends.

Brush the Block is still seeking mural sponsors. For more details about Brush the Block and the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, please visit www.brushtheblock.com. For inquiries, you can also contact Kristen Chesak, Executive Director of ACGK, by phone at 269.342.5059 or via email at kchesak@kalamazooarts.org.