The Project
The Community-Run Public Art Microgrant Program provides a platform for communities to initiate and lead public art projects that reflect their unique identities and values. Recognizing that impactful public art often begins as grassroots ideas, this program encourages community-led organizations in Calgary/Mohkinstsis to create public art experiences in collaboration with local artists. Successful applicants receive up to $15,000 in funding to bring their artistic visions to life while engaging local artists.
This initiative encourages communities to explore themes such as Indigenous stories, social change and local histories, fostering a sense of connection and pride through public art.
2023 Program Recipients:
Here are the organizations that received microgrants in 2023. The projects with artists started in 2024 and some been completed while others are still underway. This page will be updated as projects are completed.
Artist: Matias Martinez
Title: Stories of this land
Community members were invited to paint their own piece of a collaborative mural that celebrates the landscape, people and stories of our community. Artist Matias Martinez developed the concept for the mural and led a series of workshops for community members to create individual painted elements.
Artist: Aroop Rayu
Working with Bishop McNally High School, artist and facilitator Aroop Rayu led students in sessions to develop photography skills and techniques. Students were asked to focus on creating images of the stories they wanted to share with their communities. A public exhibition provided a platform for the students to engage with community members and learn how their art can be a useful tool to share ideas and showcase their perspectives of their city.
Artist: Harvey Nichol
Title: Manchester Industrial Community Mural
Working with the community, the artist set out to bring “beauty, joy, whimsy and hope” to the neighbourhood. The mural introduced a vibrant, eye-catching artwork that sparks delight and wonder, transforming the space into something special.
Drawing from his Filipino heritage, Harvey Nichol wove elements of folklore into the piece, grounding it in cultural storytelling. At its heart is Pilandok, a Robin Hood-like trickster known for his resilience, wit and triumph over adversity. This playful yet powerful figure embodies the spirit of hope and ingenuity, making the mural not just visually striking but also deeply meaningful.
By blending cultural narratives with bold, imaginative visuals, the mural brings the chosen theme to life in a way that resonates with the community and invites conversation.
Artists: Leslie Bull and Gideon Gebremichael
Inspired by artist Rirkrit Tiravanija’s art performance, untitled 1990 (pad thai), The Bows transformed the historically static gallery into a public space for socializing and bonding over food. Local chefs, Leslie Bull and Gideon Gebremichael, see food as an artistic practice that can strengthen and connect communities.
Artist: Andrea Lau
Title: Paper Story
Artist Andrea Lau led workshops to educate community members on invasive plant species in their area and set up a drop-off location for harvested invasive plants. This material was turned into handmade paper throughout a series of workshops and then displayed as a sculptural installation for the community to experience and enjoy.
Over 80 community members participated in the paper-making process and crafted their own paper artworks that were included in the final installation.
Artists: Rawry & Pohly
Title: Qing Ming Festival
This mural is a continuation of Along the Bow, a mural completed in 2022 that reinterprets a historical Chinese painting with nods to Calgary’s Chinatown. The new mural incorporates Calgary specific iconography and community stories while revisiting this important piece of Chinese history.
Artists: Meenakshi Girdhar and Zia Samadi, along with six talented youth artists who showcased their art during the event.
Title: Empowering Newcomer Artists through Music
By collaborating with talented artists Meenakshi Girdhar, Zia Samadi and six youth artists, the Canadian Zalmi Society brought together a vibrant cultural event that showcased a diverse range of artistic expressions. Ten different cultural groups were invited to showcase live performances during the event. These collaborations not only showcased incredible talents but also fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures within the community. The event brought people together in a joyful celebration, creating an inclusive atmosphere that emphasized beauty, joy and hope, while also promoting social change through cultural exchange and mutual respect.
Artists: Andrew Holloway, andrea dillingham-lacoursiere, Brendon Many Bears, Dale Swampy, Isis Horne Hill, Jeremy “Jerm” Richardson, Kateryna Pysarenko, Kristy North Peigan, Marley Tahize Heavyshield, Melody Poon, Quenton Whitecalf, Sheila Norris, VL Parker, Sinead Ludwig-Burgess, Słavek Pytraczyk and Wilmer Aburto.
The core idea was to bring together 16 artists, pairing Indigenous and non-Indigenous creators, to collaboratively explore and express what ReconciliACTION means to them. This theme was successful in fostering creative dialogue as well as in building genuine connections and understanding among the artists, ultimately leading to a profound and impactful exhibit. Artists worked in pairs to create eight artwork installations in the Arts Commons Plus 15 galleries. The exhibit was accessible to the public daily, providing an inclusive platform for community interaction and engagement.
Artist Residency to reimagine studio practice for public realm
Artists: Amber Boyd, Chantal Beaulne, Day Chase, Hilary Mcdonnell, Jasmine Piper, Khrysta Lloren, Leo Wieser, Lyle Pisio, Sacha Michaud, Sarah Whalen-Lunn, Staci Duchene-Wolfe and Riel Starr.
Titles: “Animating Imagination, a Stop- Motion Puppetry Showcase” & “ ᐱᔦᓰᐢᑳᐤ piyêsîskâw (there is an abundance of birds)”
The Festival of Animated Objects exhibit “Animating Imagination” set out to demystify the art of stop-motion and make it more accessible to a wider audience. By pulling back the curtain on the process — highlighting the materials, techniques and the contrast between everyday themes and the uncanny — the exhibit encouraged visitors to see animation as something within their reach. And they did! The accompanying workshop filled up quickly, proving that curiosity had sparked action. More than just an exhibition, it was an invitation — opening viewers’ eyes to a new artistic medium and inspiring them to explore other festival events.
Through traditional Indigenous arts, the Colouring It Forward Reconciliation Society (CIFRS) exhibit, “ᐱᔦᓰᐢᑳᐤ piyêsîskâw / there is an abundance of birds,” explored themes of reconciliation, resilience and connection to the land. Visitors were invited to reflect on the transformation of this place over the past century, while also recognizing the elements that endure — like the birds that return each spring, rebuilding their nests and adapting in harmony with their shifting environment.
The accompanying art walk and artist talk deepened this reflection, as artists shared personal connections to the land and its history. A beading workshop blended Indigenous storytelling with hands-on practice, allowing participants to contribute to beaded panels for the Métis Trapper’s Tent — a collective act of art-making that wove tradition and community together.
Artists: Rawry & Pohly
Title: Biggie Smalls
The mural is colourful and whimsical, bringing some much-needed vibrancy to the area while also incorporating and celebrating the Chinese Canadian culture that is so prevalent in Crescent Heights. The artists consulted with Chinese elders to ensure the mural was respectful and accurately depicted the symbolism of a lucky pig. An open house was hosted to show off the design and garner community feedback. Mural completion was followed by an unveiling event with community leaders and members coming together to enjoy some barbecued pig and comradery.
3 artists, window exhibition
Artist: Larissa Schuler
Title: Erlton Community Association Mural in Lindsay Park 2024
With the painting of this mural, the community association has added a fun, whimsical piece of art to an otherwise grey concrete wall at a previously abandoned fountain area within Lindsay Park. This artwork has both raised the profile of the Erlton Community Association, beautified the drab area and, as a result, has made a very welcoming area for people to gather, enjoy something creative, engage neighbours in conversation and bring joy to everyone.
Artist: Gladzy Kei and Tyler Hotchhalter
Beauty in the Brick challenged two artists to create murals that reflected the nature of Mayland Heights area. The intent behind the artwork was to spark whimsy and wonder. Artists Gladzy Kei and Tyler Hotchhalter rose to the challenge. The works reflect the natural world around us and the creative community that thrives in Mayland Heights.
The Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society turned an unusable area of the centre into a safe and comfortable gathering space, all while providing a mini history of where they started and what they have grown to today. The artist-designed story boards walk viewers through the society’s growth from a small bowling group to the multiple activity centre that it is today. The new concrete pad and benches created by local artisans helped to create a space for people to gather and learn more about the history of their community.
Artist: Mikhail Miller
Title: Greenview Industrial Grafitti Jam
Digital Menopause Manual project
rtist: Cam Hoff
Title: Coventry Hills Gateway to Nature Mural
Hoping to increase awareness and appreciation of the surrounding natural area, The Nose Creek Preservation Society transformed a derelict stucco wall into a mural that depicts the natural beauty of their community for thousands of commuters each day.
Title: Ranchlands Community Mural
Artist: Julian Lee
Working with the theme of “explore stories of your community,” the Ranchlands Community Association asked community members and local students to answer the question “What does Ranchlands mean to you?”. Artist Julian Lee was given the answers from community members and tasked with creating a mural that incorporated their ideas. The resulting artwork is a visual journey through the history of Ranchlands. The left side of the mural honours the natural beauty and local wildlife that thrived in the pre-settler era. The right side of the mural takes us to the modern day with familiar animals like bobcats, coyotes and rabbits alongside iconic community landmarks.
As part of their community engagement, the Unitarian Church of Calgary hosted a De-colonized Pancake Breakfast to invite their community to try some Indigenous foods and learn more about artist Autumn Whiteway’s upcoming mural. Her work will be located on the south side of the church and focuses on the “Journey to Truth in Hope of Reconciliation.”
Note: This mural is delayed and will be completed in 2025.
Artist: Scott Clark.
Title: ATCO Performing Arts Centre (APAC) Mural Project
The “Enlivening APAC” mural was developed with community collaboration and produced by volunteers, with the guidance of artist Scott Clark. Themed around youth and music in Calgary, the mural reflects and promotes the Youth Singers of Calgary’s values of artistic integrity, excellence, community building, inclusion, personal development and self-expression.
Utility box painting
Delayed. Will be complete in summer 2025.
Artists: Multiple performers and visual artists included in exhibitions.
Title: Artists Thrive
Artists Thrive is a series of community arts events that showcase newcomer artists and encourage cross-cultural collaboration. Artists were mentored by local community leaders and artists to create and exhibit their visual or performance work at free arts events. Community members were invited to see performances and art installations as well as participate in art classes to learn more about newcomers in their neighbourhood.
Are you interested in participating in our public art program? Learn more about current opportunities here.