Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism is delighted to announce the nine Finalists selected to take part in International Mural Fest 2026.

Congratulations to:

Damian Cazaly — Victoria

Chris Duffy, assisted by Karen Waight — Victoria

Helen English — Rotorua, New Zealand

Gren Freeman — Tasmania

Kristina Greenwood — New South Wales

Eloise Levy — Western Australia

Kerry Nicholson, assisted by Dolly Nicholson — Queensland

Marco Pennacchia — Victoria

Patrica Smart, assisted by Olly Grohs — New South Wales

This year’s theme, Paint Me A Song, attracted a diverse range of interpretations from artists, with submissions demonstrating an exceptional level of technical skill, creativity and artistic expression. The strength of the entries made the Selection Panel’s task particularly challenging.

Sandy Brattstrom, President of Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism, said, “We are thrilled to welcome this year’s Finalists to Sheffield and can’t wait to see their interpretations of Paint Me A Song transformed from miniature murals into spectacular full-scale murals. With 2026 marking 40 years since Sheffield’s first mural was painted, this year’s International Mural Fest will be a particularly special celebration of the artists, volunteers and community who have helped shape Sheffield’s remarkable mural story.”

Over seven days, the artists will transform blank mural boards into nine original works of art in the heart of Mural Park. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to watch the murals evolve from the first sketch to the final brushstroke, meet the artists and experience the creativity, skill and endurance behind each work. Paint Off will take place on Sunday 1st November at 9am, with the artists commencing their murals and bringing this year’s theme, Paint Me A Song, to life.

People’s Choice voting opens at 9.00am on Monday 2 November, giving visitors the opportunity to vote for their favourite mural throughout the week.

At 12 noon on Saturday 7 November, it will be Brushes Down, marking the official completion of the nine murals before the Mural Miniature Auction and Awards Presentation at 2.00pm.

This year’s festival will also feature the Where Wild Things Sing Community Arts Exhibition at the Sheffield Arts Centre and a community paint-by-number mural designed by Sheffield’s very own Lindsay Gardam, providing even more opportunities for visitors to engage with the arts and be part of the week’s activities.

International Mural Fest 2026 will take place from Sunday 1st November to Saturday 7 November in Mural Park, Sheffield. The event is free to attend, and everyone is encouraged to come along throughout the week, meet the artists, watch the murals come to life, vote for their favourite and share in this very special milestone marking 40 years of murals in Sheffield.

Nine artists. Nine murals. One song inspired theme. Seven days to bring it to life.

International Mural Fest 2026 – Paint Me A Song.