The city of Windsor is about to undergo a stunning transformation as artists from around the world converge for the Free For All Walls Mural Festival, organized by the globally recognized Windsor street artist, Daniel Bombardier, known as Denial. This monumental event promises to be the “biggest thing” to hit Windsor since the days of automotive glory and Prohibition, and it’s set to breathe new life into the city’s walls and streets.
Over the course of a week, 65 artists from North America and Europe will turn Windsor’s dull walls, blighted buildings, and back alleys into vibrant canvases showcasing a wide array of artistic styles. The festival, which runs until October 10th, is expected to bring around $1.3 million worth of artwork to the city, all created for free.
Bombardier, the driving force behind the festival, shared that convincing artists to participate wasn’t a difficult task. He relied on the goodwill and camaraderie built within the global art community. “You go around the world a bunch of times and paint in their cities for free,” Bombardier explained. “I called in all the homies and homiettes and asked for favours.”
The Free For All Walls Mural Festival traces its roots back to a smaller event called Part Art Part Party, initiated by Bombardier a decade ago. Over the years, this event raised funds and brought in a few artists annually to add mural art to Windsor’s landscape. However, this year marks a significant expansion, with all 65 murals being completed within a single week.
Sponsors have stepped up to cover the costs, including supplies, while the artists are generously donating their time and talents to transform the city. According to Jeff Denomme, the mastermind behind the Windsor art brand Haunted Zoo, the diversity of artistic styles on display is one of the festival’s highlights. He likened the participating artists to NHL players, each excelling in their unique style.
Similar mural festivals have taken place across North America for years, but this is the first of its kind for Windsor. Denomme, who helped organize the festival, emphasized its historic significance for the city, comparing it to the impact of the automotive industry and the Prohibition era.
Artists aren’t the only ones traveling to Windsor for this historic event. Festival coordinators from Seattle, Houston, and Detroit have joined forces with local organizers to ensure the festival’s logistical success.
For the Windsor community, this festival promises to be a transformative experience. Street artist Czr Prz, who hails from Chicago, highlighted the positive impact of public art, stating that it adds vibrancy and life to communities while attracting visitors.
Denomme echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the inclusive nature of street art: “Street art is for everybody. Whether you have $1 or you have $10 billion, anybody can come and experience this.”
The Free For All Walls festival will conclude with the “Part Art Party Party” at WindsorEats on 400 Erie Street. The event, which takes place from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m., will feature a live art battle, DJs, music, art exhibits, comedians, aerial performances, vendors, and more. It is open to the public and promises to be a fitting celebration of Windsor’s newfound artistic vibrancy.