Southend City Jam, the UK’s largest free street art festival, returns from 29 to 31 August, with applications now open for artists to transform the city into an open-air gallery.
Now in its fourth year, the festival will welcome hundreds of artists from around the world to create large-scale murals on over 100 city centre and seafront walls.
A collaboration between Southend-on-Sea City Council and street artists Ster.UPC and Ekto.1, City Jam has become a key event in the UK's urban art scene, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
Artists of all styles, from graffiti and murals to abstract and contemporary street art, are invited to apply.
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Business, said: "Southend City Jam is now an internationally recognised street art festival, bringing new and exciting creativity to our city each year. If you're an artist looking to be part of something special, we'd love to see your work and welcome you to Southend."
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, added: "City Jam is a true celebration of creativity and civic pride, transforming our city into a living gallery. At last year's event, I spoke with artists and visitors from across the UK and Europe about the festival's exceptional organisation and unique experiences, and I'm confident 2025 will be even better.
"It was also fantastic visiting the City Jam Zone at Southend City Day with our two Southend MPs, seeing artists of all ages at work, and even getting involved myself. I'm proud to be part of a city that champions arts and culture, and I encourage everyone to explore Southend's vibrant street art scene."
Apply now at on the Southend City Jam website.
Deadline: Friday 2 May 2025