Waterford Walls Festival 2026 is now underway, with artists from Ireland and around the world transforming Waterford's streets and public spaces as the city comes alive for ten days of public art, creativity and culture. The festival has also announced Whitebox Interiors as its headline sponsor for 2026, marking an exciting new partnership for the festival's 12th year.
The festival is already in full swing, with artists busy painting across Waterford and a packed programme of events taking place throughout the ten days. Visitors can explore new works as they emerge across the city, meet artists, take part in workshops and walking tours, and experience the Festival HQ, which has become a central meeting point for the Walls community and open to the public throughout the festival.
This year's festival is made possible through the continued support of local businesses, organisations and the wider community. Leading that support is Whitebox Interiors, the new interior design venture from architect and developer Niall Harrington, Co-founder of Whitebox Developments, and James Duggan, Director of Whitebox Interiors.
The partnership reflects a shared vision between the two organisations. While Waterford Walls transforms streets and public spaces through art, Whitebox Interiors focuses on transforming homes and businesses through design. Together, they champion the idea that art and design do not belong exclusively in galleries or showrooms, but in the streets, homes and spaces where people live, work and gather.
John O'Connell, Director of Waterford Walls, said:
"Waterford Walls simply wouldn't exist without the belief and support of local people, businesses and Waterford City and County Council. For twelve years we've had the privilege of working with communities to transform spaces through art, and every mural stands as a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together behind a shared vision.
To welcome Whitebox Interiors as our headline sponsor is incredibly meaningful. As a local business, they understand the importance of investing in creativity and placemaking. Their support helps us continue growing the festival while creating opportunities for artists, communities and visitors alike.
It's fantastic to see the city coming alive again with artists painting, people exploring the murals and a real sense of excitement around the festival. There's still plenty to come over the remaining days, and we want people to get out, explore Waterford and experience the festival for themselves."
James Duggan, Director of Whitebox Interiors, said:
"There is a shared vision in what Waterford Walls and Whitebox Interiors set out to do. At Whitebox Interiors, we often talk about taking a white box and giving it life, creating spaces with character, personality and a sense of identity. In many ways, that's what Waterford Walls does across the city, taking blank walls and overlooked spaces and transforming them through art, colour and creativity.
For us, great design is about more than how a space looks. It's about how it feels and how people experience it. A great mural can completely change the character of a street, just as a well-designed interior can change the way someone feels about their home or workplace.
We're delighted to support Waterford Walls as headline sponsor for 2026. As a Waterford-based business, we're proud to support a festival that brings creativity into the heart of the city, gives artists a platform and continues to make Waterford a more vibrant and inspiring place to live, work and visit."
There is still plenty happening across the city before the festival comes to a close on August 16th, with a full programme of events, live painting, workshops, artist talks, walking tours and more taking place throughout the festival.
One of the highlights still to come is the Waterford Walls Street Party on Saturday, August 15th, at Pocket Park on Thomas Street. This free, family-friendly event will celebrate the energy and creativity of urban culture, with an afternoon of rap battles, breakdancing, live painting, music and more. Taking place in the heart of the city, the Street Party is an opportunity for families, young people and visitors to come together, experience the culture behind Waterford Walls and enjoy some of the festival's live action in a vibrant outdoor setting.
The full 2026 festival programme and map are available at www.wallsproject.ie.
