One of the important pieces that makes a city world-class is public art. Beautiful cities have a wide array of public art and installations for citizens and patrons to enjoy. Calgary has added a wonderful addition to their inner-city Beltline district (blocks south of the downtown core) with street art murals. More often than not buildings in the downtown core sit plain–an empty canvas that is left blank, or at worst tagged with spray paint. The thinkers behind the BUMP Mural project had different dreams. They’ve hired artists from at home and around the globe to fill in those blank canvases. The results are quite extraordinary. Not only does it make the city more beautiful, it has created an attraction for locals and visitors. You can go on a tour of the walls and read about each installation and creator as you go (spend an afternoon walking and then hit a local brewery for a bite.)
The project has wrapped up its second year and looks to continue into 2019.
The Beltline Urban Murals Project is an initiative by the Beltline Neighbourhoods Association to showcase art, promote tourism and local businesses, improve the public realm and build community spirit in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhoods. The project funds the installation of murals throughout the community on buildings in locations that are visible, eye grabbing or otherwise currently unattractive or forgettable. BUMP is organized and run by the Beltline Neighbourhoods Association, with funding provided by various project sponsors.
The project celebrates the diversity, talent and vibrant character of the Beltline through works of art that are thought-provoking, whimsical, awe-inspiring, creative and powerful. BUMP believes that art belongs in public, and buildings are the best canvasses.
For more details and the map of current locations from the past two years visit: http://yycbump.ca/