Seaport Art Walk 2026: Good Trouble

The Seaport Art Walk is an annual outdoor public art exhibition along the waterfront and in the Seaport Cultural District in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Artists are invited to submit proposals for new or existing outdoor temporary sculptures or murals, or digital photography of other genres of work, inspired by the theme "Good Trouble." This is a juried show with reviewers from partner organizations.

Three submission categories are available: New Artwork (up to $2,500 per artwork), Existing Artwork (up to $1,000 per artwork), and Digital Gallery Exhibition (up to $250). Artists may submit up to three proposals per category. New artwork submissions must include basic information, schematic design addressing high winds and traffic conditions, maintenance schedule for a minimum of four months, budget details, artist credentials (resume/CV required, artist statement optional), and at least three images of past work. Existing artwork submissions require basic information, up to three photos, maintenance schedule, budget, and artist credentials. Digital submissions require basic information, artist credentials, and a minimum of three to six photographs at 3300 x 5100 resolution at 72ppi.

Proposal deadline is Monday, February 23, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST. Artist notifications will be sent March 20, 2026. Installation dates are June 29–July 8, 2026. The exhibition opens Thursday, July 9, 2026, and runs through October 31, 2026. Artists are invited to participate in a walking tour on AHA! Night (5-8 PM on July 9, 2026). Take-down dates are October 26–31, 2026. All winning projects will be featured in print and online media and on social media platforms. Insurance is not provided. The 2026 theme "Good Trouble" invites bold works exploring civil disobedience, community organizing, cultural resistance, and activism, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. For content guideline questions, contact Zane Cox, Project Manager at [email protected]. Visit newbedfordcreative.org/seaport-art-walk for examples of previous work and installation locations.