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Home > Parks, recreation, and culture > Arts and culture > Public art > Placing public art in public spaces > Make an outdoor mural
Murals can initiate change through public awareness, dialogue, and highlight a community’s identity
The Mural Program supports murals and other two-dimensional art throughout Vancouver. We support projects initiated by community groups, artists, businesses, and building owners.
The program includes:
- Providing resources and opportunities for community expression
- Helping communities improve their public space
- Supporting local and emerging artists
- Ensuring fair representation of various identities and style of artwork
- Deterring graffiti vandalism
Are you a community group or individual? Learn how we can support you and apply.
Murals around the city
By City of Vancouver
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Bringing light to darkness
By City of Vancouver
Led by Indigenous artists Larissa Healey & Shadae Rose J., with the support of many youth. Supported by the City for Canada 150+.
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Graffiti-style art at Strathcona
By City of Vancouver
Featuring AA Crew’s DEDOS, VIRUS, and TARS, led by Nomadic Alternatives and the Vancouver Mural Festival.
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Resilience
By City of Vancouver
Community mural facilitated by artists Jenny Hawkinson and Cate Laurie Wikelund. Supported by Jacob’s Well, Servants, Strathcona Vineyard Church, Community Arts Council of Vancouver, and the City.
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On-street mural
By City of Vancouver
One of the original on-street murals in the city at Spyglass dock, led by CityStudio students and artist Emily Gray.
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RestART
By City of Vancouver
RestART, a restorative justice art program. Facilitated by the Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre in partnership with the City.
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Graffiti at Mount Pleasant
By City of Vancouver
Project led by the Mt. Pleasant BIA and artist Ilya Viryachev with the help of youth from the Mt. Pleasant Community Centre.
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Mural at Kafka’s in Mount Pleasant
By City of Vancouver
By Steve Pell and Sandy Pell featured at the Vancouver Mural Festival.
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Spirit of the Realms
By City of Vancouver
Completed for Canada 150+, supported by the City. Painted by artists Haisla Collins, Jerry Whitehead, Sharifah Marsden, Mehren Razmpoosh, Richard Shorty, and Vanessa Walterson.
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Home at Renfrew-Collingwood
By City of Vancouver
Community mural facilitated by Kim Villagante and Aly de la Cruz Yip with the help of Collingwood Neighborhood House youth. Supported by Translink, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, and the City.
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Utility art wrap programs
By City of Vancouver
Art wraps placed on utility boxes throughout the City.
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Basketball court at Mt Pleasant Park
By City of Vancouver
By artist Scott Sueme. Supported by the Vancouver Mural Festival, City of Vancouver, and Vancouver Board of Parks.
Mural Support Program
The program can supply paint (up to $2,000) and help navigate the process. We can also prime the wall and provide an anti-graffiti coating.
If you are doing a mural on street pavement or a community mural, inquire through murals@vancouver.ca. Projects with high levels of engagement may be eligible for additional funding and support.
Eligibility
- Individuals or organizations may apply
- Project must be located within Vancouver
- Project must be visible from public property
- Intention must be artistic without promotional content
- Project must follow the mural guidelines
- Applicant must commit to maintaining the mural for two years
- Murals on heritage buildings require approval from COV Heritage Group
Process
The Mural Support Program has a budget of $25,000 annually. Applications will be approved and resources allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. There is no application deadline.
- Download the required documents:
- Secure a wall and confirm property owner’s permission
- If the building is heritage, contact us and we can inquire with the Heritage Group on your behalf
- Identify a project manager and lead artist
- Send the application form and contract to murals@vancouver.ca
- Receive conditional approval or feedback pending community notification
- We’ll let the community know about the planned artwork and await feedback before approving the work.
- Submit paint order form to murals@vancouver.ca and, if necessary, apply for temporary special zones permits and road closures.
- Get approval and pick up your paint and supplies
- Paint your mural
- Send us photos of your completed work to promote your artwork!
Please allow 2-3 weeks for approval once a completed application is sent.
Guidelines
Staff will review mural proposals to ensure design integrity, and to determine that the Lead Artist has organized and compiled all materials listed within the mural application.
It is recommended that mural proposals don't include designs that will be considered inappropriate or indecent by community standards. All murals proposals containing any signage, advertising, or branding will be redirected to submit an application through Development Services.
If you suspect a mural is offensive or breaks our guidelines, contact murals@vancouver.ca with a photo of the issue.
Get involved
Artist opportunities
Find opportunities for local artists including calls for public art, available studio space, and more.
Explore
Discover murals by Vancouver Mural Fest with our interactive map. More past and future murals will be included.
Vancouver Mural Festival
The festival works with artists and community groups to create large-scale murals, culminating in a street party and showcase event.
Report graffiti online
Graffiti vandalism often attracts more graffiti and should be dealt with quickly.
If you believe a mural breaks our guidelines, send us an email with a photo of the issue at murals@vancouver.ca.
Have questions?
Contact us at murals@vancouver.ca
Public Art policies and guidelines
Information for artists
Information for artists
Donating public art
The Park Board is not currently accepting proposals for public art donation. Check back for updates.
Public Art Committee
The Public Art Committee provides advice and guidance to City council and staff, civic agencies, developers, and citizens on public art matters, including the Public Art Program.
- Public Art Committe Bylaw 6870
(75.10 KB)
Public Art Review Plan
This report summarizes the findings of the first comprehensive evaluation of the City of Vancouver's Public Art Program since it began in 1991.
- Read the Public Art Review Plan (251.67 KB)
Private development guidelines and policies
- Public Art Guidelines for Rezoned Development [RETIRED] (108 KB), applicable to rezonings referred to public hearing on or before July 31, 2014
- Public Art Policy and Procedures for Rezoned Developments [CURRENT] (821 KB), applicable to rezonings referred to public hearing after July 31, 2014
De-accession guidelines
Procedures have been established for removing art work from public sites under City or Park Board jurisdiction.
- Read the De-accession Guidelines (22.81 KB)
