# Transformative Art Festivals This City-Wide Art Initiative in Arkansas Creates an Outdoor Gallery By Mishal Omar | Published 2016-10-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-initiative References: [boredpanda](http://www.boredpanda.com/street-artists-transformed-arkansas-city-into-stunning-outdoor-art-gallery/) & [boredpanda](http://www.boredpanda.com/street-artists-transformed-arkansas-city-into-stunning-outdoor-art-gallery/) An art initiative in Fort Smith, Arkansas has brought a series of [murals and sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith) that decorate the city. The initiative came out of a collaboration between nine different artists for the 'Unexpected Festival' -- artists who are "under the curation of 'JUSTKIDS' -- a network of creators. The project transformed the streets of Fort Smith with color, illustrations and sculptures. The '[Universal Chapel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swarovski-shrek-home)' was a particularly engaging piece which transformed a church into a kaleidoscopic art piece. Another important piece was one in which a replica of a giant fox was created using nothing but spray paint and garbage. This art initiative works to enhance the visual appeal of Fort Smith while also making a statement on various issues. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Outdoor Art Installations:** With the increasing demand for public art, businesses can invest in outdoor art installations to attract customers and enhance brand awareness. - **Art Festivals:** Cities and businesses can collaborate to host art festivals like the 'Unexpected Festival' to showcase local talent and build community engagement. - **Art as Advocacy:** Art can be used as a tool for social and political advocacy, allowing businesses to connect with consumers through shared values and meaningful experiences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Tourism:** Cities can use transformative art installations to attract tourism and boost economic growth. - **Real Estate:** Developers can incorporate outdoor art installations into their properties to enhance curb appeal and attract buyers and tenants. - **Advertising:** Companies can sponsor outdoor art installations or art festivals to increase brand awareness and support their brand messaging and values. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Boundary-Pushing AR Outdoor Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/this-is-me-this-is-us.md) - [Large-Scale Sculpture Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desert-x1.md) - [Boundless Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frameless-experience.md) - [Collaborative Campus Beautification Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/campus-beautification.md) - [Inflatable Vibrant Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-dancer.md) - [Art-Promoting Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beige-billboards.md) - [Visual Museum Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/museum-campaign.md) - [Dynamic Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-in-motion-exhibition.md)