SWFL MuralFest 2027 – Sign Up Now!

November 7th, FGCU Campus. 

Want your own wall? You'll have to earn it.

The winners of the Battle of the Arts will earn the opportunity to create their own murals as part of SWFL Mural Fest.

Battle of the Arts is designed to create a stage for local artists of all ages to showcase their talent, connect with fellow creatives, and share their work with the community. It also gives our community an opportunity to discover, support, and celebrate the incredible artistic talent found right here in Southwest Florida.

More Than a Mural Festival

SWFL Mural Fest began as a way for our local arts community to give back following Hurricane Ian. In the aftermath of the storm, artists came together to bring color, creativity, attention, and love back to Fort Myers.

Through the continued support of our community, local businesses, property owners, and artists, SWFL Mural Fest has grown into something much larger than a single event. It has become a movement dedicated to transforming Southwest Florida through public art and helping establish the area as a vibrant and recognizable arts destination.

Now, it's your turn to earn your place on the wall.

 

Our Journey So Far

• 2022 – The very first MuralFest. All the art reflected what our community went through during Hurricane Ian, showing resilience, hope, and unity.

• 2023 – We secured our first building at All Out Bail Bonds, which also became our creative workspace warehouse, built with lots of love and support from Maria Paterno. That year, the mayor cut the ribbon, officially marking the beginning of downtown Fort Myers’ first art district and proving that SWFL MuralFest is here to stay.

• 2024 – We hosted The Elements of Life mural series, celebrating nature, balance, and creativity. We also unveiled the first permanent murals on the All Out Bail Bonds building with a huge reveal event full of live painting, music, and community spirit.

• 2025 – We expanded the vision with the theme Florida Environments—Ocean, Swamp, Forest, and City. Four team captains were selected through the Battle of the Arts, each leading their own teams to create large-scale murals across downtown.

• 2026 – SWFL MuralFest entered its next chapter with the theme Habitats, inviting artists to explore the diverse environments that define Florida. From oceans and beaches to forests, swamps, and wetlands, new murals continued to expand the festival's growing footprint throughout Downtown Fort Myers while creating even more opportunities for artists to leave their mark on the city.

• 2027 – SWFL MuralFest continues to grow, bringing together artists, businesses, property owners, and the community to further transform Swfl through public art. Building on the momentum of previous years, the festival continues its mission of creating opportunities for artists, activating public spaces, and strengthening Southwest Florida identity as a vibrant arts destination.

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Battle of the Arts Rules

Rule #1: The battle runs from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. No excuses.
Rule #2: Artists must bring their own supplies (drop cloth, paint, easel, tent if needed).
Rule #3: Canvas size is 42 inches high × 8 ft wide. Board is provided, primed with one color, and must remain blank before the battle begins.
Rule #4: No printed materials allowed. Painting must be done with paint only (stencils, pencils, paint pens are allowed).
Rule #5: No paint splatter on the floor.
Rule #6: No loud music.
Rule #7: Keep your space clean—mess = disqualification.
Rule #8: Promote it! Talk about it, invite artist friends, and bring supporters.
Rule #9: Nothing left behind—you must take everything with you.
Rule #10: Have fun!

Now, in 2027, we’re taking it to the next level. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.

Sign up now and we’ll notify with updates.

Spaces are limited. 

The Battle will take place at Fgcu Campus, in the arts building. 

Florida Gulf Coast University, Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Boulevard South, Fort Myers, FL 33965