Public Art Vancouver commissions artists and supports artistic practices that open spaces for encounters with art and the city. The program provides art opportunities of many kinds from single commissions to artist collaborations with design professionals and diverse communities.
Videos: Meet the artists
Examples of recent public art commissions include artists Tafui and Romane Bladou's works for Platforms: We Are Here, Live, and Paul de Guzman's socially engaged project which was produced through the Artist-Initiated Commissions program.
Watch the video to hear the artists speak about these works in their own words.
Platforms: We Are Here, Live
We’ve commissioned 23 emerging and established Vancouver, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nations based artists to create pieces that reflect the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, which we will present on platforms across Vancouver until November 2022.
Gassy Jack and Maple Tree Square updates
The Gassy Jack statue was donated to the City in 1974 when it became part of the public art collection. It was a tribute to John Deighton, a bar owner who was married to two Squamish women during his life, one of whom was 12 years old.
In February 2022, the statue came down in a community protest. It is currently in storage and will not be reinstalled in Gastown.
We continue to work with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), to identify appropriate next steps in regards to Gassy Jack.
Current status of Maple Tree Square
We're consulting with xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), and community partners to plan the future of Maple Tree Square as part of Gastown Complete Streets to ensure that the public spaces prioritize equity and are Indigenous-centered.
Current public art projects
Platforms: We Are Here, Live
A monthly series of public art projects being presented from June until the year’s end.
The Collective Agency Project
The Collective Agency Project provides a group of older adults with a unique opportunity to work with established artists.
Centennial Totem Pole Conservation Project
We're reviewing the future of the Centennial Totem Pole located in Hadden Park just south of the Maritime Museum in Kitsilano.
Hastings Park: Home + Away
Home + Away is a playful public artwork with seating for over 40 people at Hastings Park's Empire Fields.
Contacts
Public Art Program
501 - 111 West Hastings St
Vancouver, BC V6B 1H4
ArtsFinder
Arts, Culture, and Environment Park Board
2099 Beach Ave
Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4