Murals

Thank you for your interest in applying to create a mural at Bass Coast.

Bass Coast takes place from July 9-12, 2027, in Merritt, BC on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people.

We invite artists to paint murals in various locations throughout the festival each year. These murals become part of the Bass Coast permanent collection, which is re-installed each year for all attendees to experience.

We’re seeking the following:

1. Experience in creating murals
2. Art that initiates profound conversation
3. A strong understanding of composition and colour
4. A robust portfolio of finished work
5. Pieces that align with the Bass Coast Collection aesthetic, as determined by our curators
6. Art with intention to incorporate the 2027 theme, coming soon.  

MURAL SUBMISSION EXPECTATIONS

Bass Coast 2027 Mural submissions will consist of 1 round.

ROUND 1: Oct 15, 2026 - Jan 12, 2027

Submissions will be reviewed after Jan 12, 2027. Successful applicants will be notified by Feb 10, 2027.

Canvas Size: Mural canvases are standardized at 16ft wide x 8ft high, comprising four 8ft x 4ft black primed plywood panels.

Exhibit Locations: Murals will be placed throughout the festival site, including beside stages. The Art Curation team will determine the placement of each mural, and these locations are non-negotiable.

Liability: Bass Coast Festival is not liable for any damaged murals.

KEY DATES in 2027

Jan 12: Applications close at 11:59 PM
Feb 10: All successful applicants contacted
July 7: Mural participants arrive on site
July 11: Murals must be completed by 11:59 PM and signed off by the Mural Manager to receive payment

GENERAL INFORMATION

Bass Coast is a 19 plus event and photo ID is required to enter the festival site. This includes all presenters. No animals are permitted on-site before, during, or after the event.

ACCESSIBILITY

Please take a moment to read about our Accessibility services.

SUSTAINABILITY

All presenters must use environmentally friendly packaging products. We encourage all presenters to source products locally whenever possible.

Please take a moment to read our Sustainability Education Series.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Bass Coast is committed to fostering its safe and inclusive community. In order to do so, Bass Coast requires that its team, contributors, volunteers and attendees understand and agree to this Code of Conduct in relation to all activities regarding the Festival.

Please take a moment to read our Code of Conduct.

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION

It is important for everyone to take responsibility for researching and educating themselves on this issue. When choosing your designs or wearing/selling items (including clothing, makeup, or stylings) for Bass Coast, consider the following questions:

• Does this hold traditional significance to a community or culture?
• Is this intended to express religious beliefs or political statements?
• Does this designate respect or status within that culture?

If the answer is yes to any of the above, or if there is uncertainty, reconsideration is encouraged.

Bass Coast’s harm reduction strategy includes a commitment to providing a culturally safe environment for the entire community. A culture of mutual respect is a fundamental part of the Bass Coast experience. Even if the intention behind using or sharing culturally significant designs or items is respectful, other community members may find it insensitive or upsetting.

To maintain a welcoming and comfortable environment for all festival attendees, we ask that participants avoid these designs and/or wearing/selling such items.

Please take a moment to read about our Cultural Respect ETHOS.

ETHOS

Please take a moment to read more about our ETHOS:

• Harm Reduction
• Cultural Respect
• Sustainability
• Towards Equity
• Harassment and Assault Policy with attention to Section 6.1

PLACEMENT & SUPPORT

Mural artists are supported through a combination of event access and financial contributions. If these terms are not acceptable, please do not apply.

Placement
Murals are located throughout the festival site, including beside stages. There is one application for all mural artists. The Art Curation team will determine the placement of each mural, and these locations are non-negotiable.

Support

• Event access for two (2) people (equivalent value $1,200)
  
• $500 for supplies/compensation
  
• Early entry
  
• Free parking
  
• Interactive Art camping
  
• The piece becomes part of the Bass Coast Permanent Collection

WEATHER

Bass Coast can bring full sun, torrential rain, thunderstorms, or high winds. Artists are responsible for ensuring both their work and themselves are prepared to handle these elements. The exhibit areas are open, opulent playscapes.

NOTE: In the case of heavy rain or storm conditions, you are permitted to cover your artwork with a tarp for the storm's duration. You must remove the tarp immediately after the rain has stopped.

SAFETY

Mural Artists are responsible for mitigating anticipated safety concerns before applying and or arriving on-site. However, please notify the Curation Team should any unexpected safety concerns arise during setup or throughout the festival.

Bass Coast reserves the right to remove any art posing a safety risk, and financial funding and event access may be revoked.

LOCKED STORAGE

Bass Coast will provide a combination lock storage box behind each mural for artist supplies.

LIGHTING & TOOLS

Mural Artists are responsible for the setup, teardown, and upkeep of their mural throughout the festival. Bass Coast provides basic gallery lighting at night, but artists are encouraged to bring additional work lights, especially if primarily painting at night. Any RGB or UV lighting needed to enhance the artwork must be provided by the artist.

If you plan to bring any additional lighting, including RGB or UV, you must inform the curation team in advance.

Bass Coast does not provide tools, lifts, ladders, extension cords, power bars, or other equipment or hardware.

POWER

Power will be allocated on an individual basis depending on the needs of each mural.

Bass Coast does not provide power for tools during set-up, prior to main power hubs being turned on Thursday at 9 AM. If you require more power for set up than your own battery-powered tools, please make a note in your application. You are responsible for bringing your own power bar(s) and extension cord(s) to plug into site power for the duration of the festival.

VEHICLES & PARKING

The forest is a small space and cannot accommodate excess vehicles for extended periods of time. Vehicles will not be permitted to enter the forest after Thu. July 8 at 12 PM.

ENTRY & CAMPING

Mural Artists receive Early Entry, which includes General Admission camping or Interactive Art camping (located on the festival side of the river). Please note artists are not allowed to camp beside their murals. Interactive Art camping is no more than a 10-minute walk away from your mural. Artists are responsible for the transportation of supplies to and from camp.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY

Bass Coast is not responsible for any damage, theft, vandalism or any other incident regarding your installation, tools or property. You are completely responsible for your mural and property on-site.

Please take a moment to read our Liability Waiver.

COVID-19 GUIDELINES

Bass Coast Festival will continue to operate in accordance with provincial and local health guidelines and recommendations.