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Hagerstown eyes large public‑art push: murals, Hagerfest and hosting 2026 National Mural Awards

Mayor and City Council of Hagerstown · February 11, 2026

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Summary

Staff told council about a 230‑foot community mural project called 'Together We Create' (priority to Hagerstown artists) to be part of Hagerfest on May 2 and that Hagerstown will host the 2026 National Mural Awards; staff will seek easements where the city does not own wall space and planned community engagement via QR codes.

Hagerstown’s community engagement team briefed the mayor and council on Feb. 10 about an expanded public‑art program that includes a 230‑foot community mural project, a call for artists, and the city’s role as host of the 2026 National Mural Awards.

The mural program, branded 'Together We Create,' is planned as part of Hagerfest on May 2 and will involve at least 10 muralists. Staff said priority will be given to local artists—Hagerstown first, then Maryland—and that easement agreements will be sought for wall space the city does not own before the city issues a formal call for artists. “This call will be for individual artists, for artist groups,” the community engagement director said.

City staff also said Hagerstown has been selected to host the 2026 National Mural Awards, which will bring visiting artists and week‑long programs to the city; staff are still confirming several building owners for mural locations. The outreach strategy includes QR codes on signs and panels to capture living history and enable ongoing updates and additional material beyond what appears on static panels.

Staff reviewed the broader 2026 events calendar in the same presentation, noting new and returning events downtown including the 1 Love Festival (April), Porchfest (May 16), Battle of the Cheesesteaks, Taste/Chili/Caribbean events, a second‑Saturday series and the Main Street Maryland conference in October. Staff said some ticketed events have sold out in previous years and the city is coordinating logistics for overlapping events.

What’s next: staff planned to release the mural call for artists immediately after council approval of necessary easements, to finalize additional mural locations and to publicly announce headliners for Hagerfest in the coming weeks.