What is Mural Masters?

Mural Masters is a three-day mural festival held annually in downtown Burien, where new murals are painted on public and private walls. These murals live for the rest of the year, transforming the cityscape and providing a visual experience that evolves each time. At the end of the festival, we rotate the murals, ensuring that the art continues to inspire and refresh the spaces year after year—much like a Buddhist sand painting that celebrates impermanence and the dynamic nature of creativity.

The murals enhance and influence the cityscape—especially in high-traffic pedestrian areas like town squares and alleyways—making the spaces more inviting and vibrant. Murals bring life and color to the streets, adding to the local personality of businesses and creating lasting memories for visitors who interact with these public artworks. We see them as more than just art; they’re landmarks and experiences that define the community.

Our Roots and Growth

The festival began as a grassroots initiative with a small grant from 4Culture, which covered basic needs like lunch and materials for artists. Over the years, Mural Masters has expanded to include more walls, a wider variety of local and international artists, and collaborations with community organizations. Our vision continues to evolve as we work to amplify diverse voices in the art world, including BIPOC and women artists.

Artist Selection Process

We carefully curate the Mural Masters roster to ensure we’re showcasing top-tier talent, focusing on artists with strong portfolios and experience in graffiti and muralism. Many of the artists we invite have been painting for 10+ years, have developed a significant social media following, and are well-regarded in their communities. Our goal is to present exceptional art that resonates with the community and raises the profile of Burien as a destination for art lovers.

Expanding the Festival

Over the years, we’ve added new programming to the event, including:

• An art market with local artists, makers, and vendors

• Panel discussions with artists and community members

• Partnerships with organizations like the Highline Heritage Museum

In the future, we hope to expand the art market, invite more out-of-town artists, and grow our partnerships to include more local businesses. We also want to increase foot traffic to local businesses, which benefits both the arts community and the broader economy.

Public Art and Its Impact

We believe public art is a catalyst for change, helping to create inclusive spaces where everyone is welcome. Murals enhance the vibrancy of Burien’s streets, creating safe, welcoming places that people can enjoy while promoting community pride. The artwork not only reflects the personality of local businesses but also fosters a deeper sense of belonging among residents and visitors alike. Murals attract people who want to see the transformation happen, who can interact with artists, and who return again to create new memories.

The impact of these murals extends well beyond the festival, as each piece continues to influence the community and visitors. We are proud to create a space where art connects people to their surroundings, builds relationships, and showcases the cultural richness of our town.

Community and Free Programming

All of the Mural Masters programming is free to the public, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of background or financial status. Whether you’re enjoying a day in Burien or actively participating in the art-making process, you’re invited to join in the celebration of art, creativity, and community.