In a time where we all need to be doing a better job socially distancing, many people are still confused about what activities they can and can't do. The Mural Festival offers an excellent way to get outside and space out across nine neighbourhoods and see 60 + new murals. This year, that's more important than ever with the added bonus of seeing and supporting local artists. The festival runs from August 18 to September 7 you can check out the schedule here.
We suggest that when you find a mural you like that you follow the artist on social media and buy art from that artist. It might not seem like much, but those two actions make a big difference for local artists.
We also recommend checking out some of the non-sanctioned street art that also exists in the city's alleys and streets as you explore neighbourhoods and areas you've probably never been to. Keep an open mind and we guarantee you'll discover something new.
Make sure you follow the artists whose murals are featured in this story Pearl Low, Margaret August, and Mandy Tsung.
The mural festival spoke to us about some of the great stuff they have going on this year.
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COVID has obviously changed the way we do public events. What is changing for the mural festival this year?
We are "flattening the festival curve" by doing a Licensed Pop Up Patio in Mount Pleasant that will feature live painting, music and performance. It will run from Aug 18th to Sept 7th @ 50 person capacity.
What have you got going on that’s new this year?
We have a new free downloadable Vancouver Mural Festival Mobile App! You can give yourself a tour, and learn all about every mural in the festival.
Murals are a public and outdoor activity. Does this set the festival up to be the perfect summer activity for physical distancing?
It does offer a unique way to safely stay in your pod while being social and engaged by local artists!
The Vancouver mural fest did a lot of great work with local businesses and the city to create an outdoor gallery during the height of COVID distancing?
Thanks! Yes we produced over 60 temporary murals to bring joy and hope for Vancouver! The project was supported by Vancity Credit Union, the DVBIA, Robson BIA and the South Vancouver BIA.
Street art and graffiti are pretty common around the city, how are you integrating those artists into the festival?
Each year, Scott Sueme Guest Curates the Street art and Graffiti Art for the festival and for the Holden Courage Memorial Graffiti Jam.
The festival has always done a good job highlighting indigenous artists and people of colour. How are you supporting BIPOC artists and creating opportunities within your organization this year and moving forward?
We are continuing to support, collaborate, and learn from POC and Indigenous artists and communities for VMF 2020. One of our key Community Projects is with the Hogans Alley Society (HAS). Our Curator, Krystal Paraboo, has been working with HAS and local artist Anthony Joseph, since November 2019 to develop a public mural project to be unveiled this August that will directly address the history and present reality of Black cultural erasure and Anti-Black racism in Vancouver.
How can people best support the festival this year?
Come out and walk the city with the freshly downloaded app and really engage with the art! Also there is will be a 100+ artist online gallery show. Check it out! We have encouraged the artists to make them affordable.
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So whether you're looking to check out new public art, or just wander the city streets the Vancouver Mural Festival is sure to please.
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