HAGERSTOWN – Hagerstown has been selected to host the 2026 National Mural Awards, a nationally recognized celebration of public art that will bring prominent muralists from across the country to the city’s downtown next spring.
The announcement was made by city administrators during the Jan. 20 Mayor and City Council meeting, confirming that the awards will coincide with Hagerfest on May 2, one of the city’s largest annual community events. As part of the selection, at least three nationally acclaimed artists are expected to create new murals in downtown Hagerstown.
The National Mural Awards recognize excellence in large-scale public art and highlight cities that demonstrate a strong commitment to cultural investment, creative placemaking, and community engagement. Previous host cities include Salt Lake City, Utah, and Corpus Christi, Texas, placing Hagerstown among a growing list of nationally recognized arts destinations.
City officials said the awards will not only bring new permanent artwork to downtown buildings but also draw visitors, artists and arts organizations to the city, boosting foot traffic and economic activity during the festival weekend.
The announcement builds on themes discussed earlier during the Jan. 13 council work session, when consultants presenting the city’s 10-year downtown plan emphasized the importance of public art, placemaking and cultural identity as tools for revitalization. That plan specifically called for expanded use of murals, creative alleyway activation and visual storytelling to strengthen downtown’s sense of place and regional appeal.
Hosting the National Mural Awards aligns closely with those long-term goals, reinforcing Hagerstown’s strategy of using arts-based investment to support downtown vibrancy, tourism and business growth.
City staff credited the selection to sustained work by local arts and community engagement partners, noting that the awards will add to the city’s growing collection of murals and cultural assets. The new murals created during the event will remain as lasting public art installations.
During the same meeting, the city administrator also thanked residents, colleagues and community members for their support following a recent personal loss, expressing appreciation for the Hagerstown community’s compassion.
Additional details about participating artists, mural locations and award programming are expected to be released closer to the event date.
