More Public Art - Gritty to Pretty Update

Every year DHBC awards artists (wanting to put their mark on Downtown Halifax) with funding through the 'Gritty to Pretty' Placemaking Grant Program. This year, 12 recipients were chosen and are listed below, along with progress on the project and location, as of October 18, 2024.  

Completed (pictures below)

‘Tides of Diaspora’ by Kalkidan Assefa           
Location: Pavilion 22

‘Harmonies in Blue’ by Yasaman Mehrsa        
Location: Bearly's House of the Blues on Granville St.

‘7 Grandfather Teachings’ by Tonya ‘SamQwan’ Parris 
Location: Bus shelter at the corner of Barrington St. and Spring Garden Rd.

‘Plant Life in Mi’kma’ki’ by Jeighk Koyote 
Location: Lower Water St. - along the railing by the benches in front of the Salter Lot, across from the Brewery Market.
 

Pending
‘Leap of Faith’ by Sarah Bourgoin
‘Raymond Taavel Park Activation’ by Margot Durling
‘Soul of Stone’ by Anna Nikolainko
‘From My Roots’ by Daramfon Morgan & Kawama
'The Great Harbour’ by Julian Krizsan and Cameryn Mattie
‘Can’t Wait’ by Max MacAulay 
‘Silk Worm’ by Stephen Moir
‘Cost of Living’ by Anna Nikolainko 

Since the Spring of 2015, DHBC has awarded artists with funding through the 'Gritty to Pretty' Placemaking Grant Program. 

The program was started as a way to encourage civic pride, support local economies and artists, and enhance the overall attraction and vibrancy of Downtown Halifax’s streetscape. Now in its ninth year, the program is responsible for over 20 murals scattered all over Downtown Halifax.  

Grant applicants are invited to submit multiple applications, with each project eligible for up to $10,000 (as long as it is within Downtown Halifax’s Boundary). Applications for 2024 are closed but to find out how you can get involved for 2025 email Jonathan Goldson, DHBC's Placemaking Manager jonathan@downtownhalifax.ca. 

Pictures can be seen in the galleries below.

To view more Gritty to Pretty projects from the past years, take our Self-Guided Art Tour.