Chinatown Public Art Plan

A vibrant street in Calgary's Chinatown.

The Project

Drawing on the good work of the Chinatown Cultural Plan, the focus of the Chinatown Public Art Plan Project is to engage with community and gather information that will help inform the future of public art in Chinatown. 

We want to hear more from the community regarding projects that already exist, projects that community members want to see implemented and suggestions for future locations and works. Through community engagement at live events, interactive activities, surveys, focus groups and interviews, we hope to hear what you have to say. 

Project Goals 

To create a general plan for the area that: 

  • Articulates an overarching vision for the area based on community feedback and collaboration with community organizations 
  • Identifies current projects and potential sites and projects (including a map) 
  • Identifies pathways to project funding and implementation 

What’s Happening Now 

We’ll be out in the community asking for your opinions and ideas at various events throughout the summer. Check back often to see updates on where you can find us in person to share your public art ideas.  

Alex Kwong Mural Painting 
July 22 – 25, 2024 (Note: the timeline may be shorter if the mural is completed in three days)
10 am – 2 pm daily
123 2 Ave. SE  

A community-initiated public art project. Artist Alex Kwong will be painting a new mural on the Gee How Oak Tin Association Building. Stop by to see the artist in action and share your ideas about other kinds of public art you’d like to see.

Dragon Boat Race & Festival
August 10 & 11, 2024
10 am – 5 pm daily
North Glenmore Park (7305 Crowchild Tr. SW) 

One of Calgary’s premiere sporting events and family-friendly festivals. This annual affair features a mix of dragon boat racing, cultural performances, vendors and more. Come find us at the Dragon Marketplace and let’s talk public art!

Rawry + Pohly Mural Painting
August 14 & 15, 2024 
10 am – 2 pm 
123 2 Ave. SW

Artist duo Rawry and Pohly are currently in the process of completing a mural on the side of Ng Towers. The mural is an extension of their previous mural Along The Bow, painted in 2022. Come get a sneak peak before it’s unveiled and chat with us about the future of public art in Chinatown.

Chinatown Street Festival 
August 17, 2024 
11 am – 7 pm 
3 Ave. & 1 St. SE 

This annual summer tradition is a one-day free event that features vendors, cultural displays, a fun zone for kids and food trucks! We’ll be there with some interactive art projects and to hear the community’s feedback about public art in Chinatown.

Chinatown Lantern Festival
September 13, 2024 
4 – 11 pm 
2 Ave. SW & Daqing Square

Hosted by the Calgary Chinatown Business Improvement Association, this one-day event features exquisite light and lantern displays alongside amazing local vendors and food trucks! We’ll be there so stop by, say hello and share your thoughts about public art in Chinatown.

Public Art in Chinatown — tell us about it!

Online survey coming soon.

Public Art Plan
Future Contact
Would you like to be contacted about future engagement opportunities related to this project?

Proposed Project Timeline 

  • Summer/Early Fall 2024 Community Engagement 
  • Fall 2024/Winter 2025 Analysis + Research 
  • Winter/Spring 2025 Compilation + Consultation 
  • Spring/Summer 2025 Authoring of plan and way forward 
  • Fall 2025 Possible implementation