Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) is excited to announce the completion of their 2022 Gritty to Pretty placemaking projects, with the installation of “Halifax in Colour,” a stunning mural that now lives on the west facing façade of 1546 Barrington Street (Argyle Street and Blowers Street intersection.)
Created by Daramfon Morgan and Victor Nwaokpani, the mural aims to build on the authenticity and solidarity among BIPOC community members. “Halifax in Colour” is one of seven completed public art projects funded by DHBC’s Gritty to Pretty Placemaking Program for 2022.
Being born in Nigeria, Morgan and Nwaokpani wanted to use their talents to highlight what they’ve learned about Black Atlantic Canadian history (and the role African Nova Scotians, and those from African Diaspora, have played in shaping it.) The mural is comprised of four individual paintings (panels) that use recognizable landmarks from around the province to highlight the link between BIPOC communities and Nova Scotia culture.
DHBC’s Gritty to Pretty Placemaking Program
The Gritty to Pretty Placemaking Program was created by DHBC in 2015 as a way of getting more art Downtown Halifax. Each year it awards artists with funding to make art that encourages civic pride, supports local economies, and improves public health. Now entering its nineth year, DHBC’s ‘Gritty to Pretty’ Placemaking Program will be doing their next call for submissions in early Spring 2023. For more information visit downtownhalifax.ca/grittytopretty.
Land Acknowledgement
Downtown Halifax Business Commission acknowledges that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.
About Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC)
Downtown Halifax Business Commission represents over 1,600 businesses located in the central business district of Halifax, Nova Scotia. DHBC’s mission is to passionately pursue a more prosperous and vibrant Downtown Halifax, through good development, Downtown mobility, membership services, DHBC leadership, and Downtown placemaking. For more information, visit www.downtownhalifax.ca.
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For more information contact:
Jayme Lynn Butt
Communications Manager
Downtown Halifax Business Commission
