Applications are now open for the 2026 Paint It Up! program

Submit your application by April 3.

Looking for a way to help deter vandalism and beautify the community while empowering our youth through public art? Look no further than the Paint It Up! program.

What is Paint It Up!?

Paint It Up! is a youth engagement program funded and administered by the City. Through outdoor murals, the program:

• Celebrates and supports local arts and culture 

• Enhances Ottawa’s beauty for residents and visitors

• Provides youth with positive, skill-building experiences

Since 2010, Paint It Up! has engaged more than 3,000 youth in completing 116 murals across Ottawa.

Funding opportunities

Funding is available for eligible local charities and non-profit organizations that want to hire youth to create murals in neighbourhoods experiencing a high rate of tagging vandalism.

How to apply

Organizations interested in applying can attend a virtual information session on Tuesday, February 3 or Thursday, February 5. Please register on the City’s Paint It Up! page.

Before applying for funding through Paint It Up!, applicants must get authorization from the property and apply for preliminary location approval for their mural project using the mural application form on the City’s mural program page. Please apply for location approval as soon as possible between Friday, February 6 and Tuesday, March 3.

Deadlines 

• Submit your location for approval by Tuesday, March 3 via the mural application form.

• Submit your completed application for approval by Friday, April 3 at 5 pm.

For more information on the Paint It Up! Program, please visit the City’s Paint It Up! page.