“Bringing Light to Darkness” led by Indigenous artists Larissa Healey & Shadae Rose J., with the support of many youth

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

Mural Support Program

Are you a community group or individual? Learn how we can support you and apply.

What's happening

Mural Support Program will be conducting a refresh in 2020. Applications are currently closed, watch this space for further details in the spring.

Murals around the city

By City of Vancouver

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+.
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.
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.
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.
RestART

By City of Vancouver

RestART, a restorative justice art program. Facilitated by the Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre in partnership with the City.
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.
Mural at Kafka’s in Mount Pleasant

By City of Vancouver

By Steve Pell and Sandy Pell featured at the Vancouver Mural Festival.
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.
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.
Utility art wrap programs

By City of Vancouver

Art wraps placed on utility boxes throughout the City.
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. Murals must be completed no later than September 30, 2019.
1. Download the required documents:
  1. Contract (151 KB)
  2. Application form (732 KB)
2. 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
3. Identify a project manager and lead artist
4. Send the application form and contract to murals@vancouver.ca
5. 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.
6. Get approval and pick up your paint and supplies
7. Paint your mural
8. 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.