Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) says there's more public art coming to Downtown soon!
July 21, 2024
“DHBC is happy to announce that 12 public art projects have been approved for funding through the 2024 Gritty to Pretty Placemaking Grant Program,” says Jonathan Goldson, DHBC’s Placemaking Manager.
DHBC started ‘Gritty to Pretty’ in 2015 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 approaching its tenth year, the program is responsible for close to 50 murals and art installations scattered all over the urban core. The program accepts applicants from all over the globe, and winners are chosen based on things like creativity, concept, location, and are eligible for up to $10,000 for submission.
“There are a lot of factors to consider when we select the projects we’re prepared to fund,” says Goldson. “We had 28 applications this year, the most we’ve ever received, and they were all really good proposals. It’s nice when we see a new name in the pile of submissions, as it means the program is still growing.”
The 2024 Gritty to Pretty Placemaking Grant recipients are:
Standard Mural
- ‘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
BIPOC Mural
- ‘Tides of Diaspora’ by Kalkidan Assefa (Pavilion 22 - starting this weekend July 26)
- ‘Harmonies in Blue’ by Yasaman Mehrsa (Old Stubborn Goat)
- ‘From My Roots’ by Daramfon Morgan & Kawama
Standard Open
- ‘Leap of Faith’ by Sarah Bourgoin
- ‘Raymond Taavel Park Activation’ by Margot Durling
- ‘Plant Life in Mi’kma’ki’ by Jeighk Koyote
- ‘Soul of Stone’ by Anna Nikolainko
BIPOC Open
- ‘Every Child Matters Memorial’ by Tonya ‘SamQwan’ Parris
The first project is expected to start in August and all of them must be complete by Spring 2025.
Goldson also wants business owners to know it’s not too late to donate a wall.
“I’m working with the artists now and some are all set, but we are still looking for canvasses.”
For more information on DHBC’s ‘Gritty to Pretty’ placemaking grant program visit: www.downtownhalifax.ca/grittytopretty
For more information please contact:
Jayme Lynn Butt
DHBC Communications Manager