The City of Edmonton is celebrating more than a decade of decorating public spaces. Fifteen new murals appeared on Edmonton streets this summer to mark the 15th anniversary of the Community Mural Grant Program, which connects the city with artists and community partners on public art projects. The murals, the city says, deter graffiti and make city streets vibrant, welcoming and safe. “Public art can fundamentally transform a space into an incredible canvas,” said Mayor Andrew Knack. “A forgotten corner suddenly becomes more welcoming, and as more people stop to look, it becomes safer as well.” The latest public art works include a Chinese zodiac mural and odes to nature and local history. “The opportunity to shape Beverly’s visual landscape is incredibly meaningful,” said Robert and Carly Murray, who painted historic Beverly landmarks on the walls of the Shoppers Drug Mart on 118 Ave near 32nd Street. “We hope to add a dash of colour on a cold day, create a shared experience or bring a smile to people’s faces.” “The City of Edmonton’s mural grant has transformed the most graffiti hit wall in the heart of our community into a beautiful, meaningful art piece,” said Alex Bosker, Beverly Business Association executive director. “The Beverly community is celebrating the opportunity to depict its rich history on this mural, and is thankful for the opportunity to turn a piece of wall into a work of art.” This year’s grants were supported with an additional $40,000 from Beyond Belonging: The 2SLGBTQIA+ Safe Spaces Action Plan for five murals promoting inclusivity. “Visible signs of inclusion are important, and that’s exactly what we heard from the more than 900 2SLGBTQIA+ Edmontonians we engaged with,” said Landon Turlock, Beyond Belonging project manager. “Investment in the Community Mural Grant is a way Edmontonians can see how the City of Edmonton is supporting and creating a safe, inclusive place for everyone.” Since 2011, the city’s Capital City Clean Up program has funded more than 110 murals, with the average grant covering about 60 per cent of a project’s cost, which comes out to $6,500; the rest of the money is raised by the grant applicants, business owners and community leagues.
