Magic City Mural Festival is back this week with muralists from across the country expressing themselves through paint in Woodlawn. Read on for artist + event details including a community reveal on Saturday, November 12 at 1PM.

What is Magic City Mural Festival?

Magic City Mural Festival is a special placemaking project for Birmingham’s historic Woodlawn neighborhood. During the event, muralists from across the country bring life to the Woodlawn neighborhood through colorful murals.

It was created by Blank Space Bham, a small local community arts business and the artists behind some of Birmingham’s coolest murals. Check out some of their work via their Instagram.

This year’s festival adds murals to “The Way” alleyway between 55 Street North and 55th Place North, the location of the 2021 inaugural festival in the heart of Woodlawn’s commercial district.

The purpose of the festival

While Birmingham is known for being lovestruck by murals, there are many more reasons for the Magic City Mural Festival.

The main goal of the event is to improve the overall pedestrian experience in the alleyway which backs up to several key Woodlawn businesses like Woodlawn Bar and Lounge and Woodlawn Theatre. The new murals will help these businesses reclaim usable space in addition to adding vibrancy to the Woodlawn. The art will also work in conjunction with other placemaking efforts to make The Way a gathering place for the neighborhood.

Not only that, but through a partnership between Blank Space Bham and the Woodlawn neighborhood, the alleyway will also feature the addition of lighting, security cameras, seating and landscaping to provide these businesses continue to serve the community they love.

Magic City Festival 2022

As a festival led by women, it features an all-female artist lineup and this year includes five muralists from across the country, each creating a special mural.

Prepare to be wowed—here’s the list of muralists:

Tyra Robinson, Birmingham, AL
Charity Hamidullah, Atlanta, GA
Annie High, Atlanta, GA
Anna Dugan, Salem, MA
Asha Sanders, Tupelo, MS

Event details

Magic City Mural Festiival — Murals in progress. (Blank Space Bham)

While the alleyway is open for public use, it is closed to visitors during mural installation hours. The good news is you can watch from clearly-marked designated viewing areas.

The public is also invited to view the finished murals and learn more about each artist during a Meet the Muralists Community Event on Saturday, November 12 at 1PM. Along with celebrating the completion of the murals, you can expect music and art from local students on display.

You can also donate to Magic City Mural Festival. This year’s goal is $3000. Help them reach their goal—donate here.

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