Tours 
On Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4, a group of young artists worked on large murals at the site of the dance festival PLOEGENDIENST near the Galderse Meren. These murals were part of the fifth edition of the Blind Walls Talent Call, a program in which emerging artists gain experience in public mural painting under professional guidance and are supported in finding new opportunities in the creative field.
From over 140 entries from the Netherlands and Belgium, a professional jury selected six talents (including one duo) to participate. They had two days to complete a mural measuring 7 by 2.5 meters, based on the theme of music and nature, all while stages were being built and forklifts were driving around. Despite the intense heat and minimal shade, the artists kept working steadily — occasionally taking a dip in the lake to cool off.
Photo by Chantal van den Berg
Collaboration Over Competition
Although only one artist would be chosen to create a permanent Blind Wall in Breda, the team spirit was strong. When one project wasn’t finished just before the deadline, the other artists jumped in to help. The result: five powerful and diverse murals, completed just in time for the jury’s arrival.
The jury — consisting of Dennis Elbers (founder of Blind Walls Gallery), Linda van der Vleuten (artist and founder of Opperclaes), and Mans Weghorst (winner of the 2024 Talent Call) — emphasized that choosing a single “winner” among five different styles wasn’t about quality, but about who best matched the upcoming commission. They selected Buuf Buur, whose mural stood out for its strong narrative power and imagination — fitting the special story she will soon bring to life on the streets of Breda.
Photo by Rosa Meininger
A Path Into the Professional World
On Saturday, July 5, festival attendees voted for their favorite mural. The audience award went to the work of Phylos Donkertino, whose piece was born from a clash of various music styles and used brushes, spray cans, and unconventional tools like a mop, sponge, broom, and plant sprayer.
Following PLOEGENDIENST, the selected artists will continue in a developmental program. They’ll have the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals, create a new mural, and give an artist talk at the Blind Walls Gallery on Terheijdenstraat. Each artist will also design a limited-edition print. With this experience and visibility, they are building a solid foundation for future exciting commissions.
Photo by Rosa Meininger
A Cultural Collective
The Blind Walls Talent Call is more than just a launchpad for young artists. It’s also an investment in the creative community. On August 22, there will be a live painting day at the so-called “Blind Spot” — a large wall on the Markkade where artists are allowed to paint legally. At the Blind Walls Filmfest in 2026, participants will be invited for knowledge sessions and portfolio reviews by professionals. With initiatives like these, Blind Walls Gallery aims to create and sustain a network to foster opportunity and mutual support.
The Blind Walls Talent Call is made possible by Keep an Eye Foundation, Municipality of Breda, Province of North Brabant, Verfplaza, and Kairos Events.
Photo by Rosa Meininger