The BUMP Festival is returning for its 10th year, offering Calgarians a chance to explore public art and creative expression across the city. The festival kicks off Thursday, Aug. 6, with the unveiling of three new basketball half-court murals. Calgarians are invited to attend the Helipad Hoops grand opening from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Eau Claire Park, southwest of the Peace Bridge. Created by Montreal artist Marc-Olivier Lamothe, the “Helipad Hoops” project - led by BUMP and the City of Calgary - aims to bring together public art and recreation in the heart of downtown. “This is our largest mural of the year and an ambitious project that kicks off a massive festival responding to the curatorial theme ‘Of Simmering, and The Surge,’” says Priya Ramesh, BUMP Festival creative director. “It’s been exciting to bring together public art, sport and community to reimagine an unusual piece of downtown infrastructure.” The festival runs until Aug. 18 and features more than 40 artists and cultural thinkers presenting new murals, sculptures and films. The BUMP Festival Arts Society, a charitable organization, says it is dedicated to building community through public art, artistic exchange and cultural experimentation. Since 2017, BUMP has commissioned more than 400 public artworks, helping transform Calgary into one of Canada’s leading cities for contemporary public art. By the end of 2026, the organization says it will have programmed 175 public murals in the city. At the core of the festival is the BUMP Urban Art Conference, where more than 30 creative leaders in art, music, film and writing will gather for three days of free keynote speeches, panels and conversations. The conference runs Aug. 13 to 15 at Contemporary Calgary, and all events are free to attend. Ten years in, organizers say their message remains unchanged. “BUMP is for the people. Public art belongs in everyday life. Public space belongs to everyone. And the future of this city is something we build together.” The festival is open to everyone. Visit yycbump.ca/festival for more information and a full events calendar.
