NUMU is an urban art festival held annually in Ibarra, northern Ecuador, since 2017. Its name comes from “nuevo mural” or “new mural,” reflecting its mission to revitalize a different neighborhood each year. Originally located in a conservative agrarian city with little mural culture, NUMU has transformed Ibarra into a vibrant hub of color and creativity, bringing together local and international artists to engage with communities.

The festival is independently organized and self-managed, often overcoming significant challenges such as funding shortages, logistical obstacles, social unrest, and even the global pandemic. Despite these setbacks, NUMU continues to grow, fostering collaboration, artistic experimentation, and community involvement. Recent editions featured artists such as Pino Supay, Azpeger, Rayz, Diegumberrto, Anadnum, and Andrés Cuatín, painting streets and public spaces with dynamic, thought-provoking murals. NUMU demonstrates the power of resilience, self-management, and collective creativity, offering residents and visitors alike a transformative public art experience while building pride and cultural engagement within Ibarra.