VMF WINTER ARTS ANNOUNCEMENT
January 14, 2021 (Vancouver, BC) - Experience Vancouver like never before! This February, VMF Winter Arts blurs the line between the virtual and real world with a creative new way to safely explore and discover the city. From February 12-28, 2021, public space across Vancouver’s core will be transformed into an interactive, open-air gallery featuring Augmented Reality (AR) art by local and international artists.
In a year marked by social distancing, VMF reimagined new opportunities to safely connect art and people in public space. In spring 2020, VMF brightened streets and inspired hope with #MakeArtWhileApart murals on boarded-up storefronts. In summer 2020, it reimagined and expanded the annual Vancouver Mural Festival to 9 neighbourhoods to support more communities.
Now for winter 2021, VMF partners with the Downtown Vancouver BIA to present VMF Winter Arts. Combining the spirit of the annual Vancouver Mural Festival with innovative digital technology, VMF Winter Arts creates an open-air experience featuring 20+ augmented reality artworks across Vancouver’s core.
Diversity and inclusivity is at the core of VMF’s values. Winter Arts features international artists from Vienna, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh, Dallas and 10 local artists from Vancouver, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh. BIPOC artists and curators make up over 50% of the 2021 roster.
With the help of VMF’s Mobile App (available to download for free from the App Store and Google Play), Vancouverites can safely explore the city and find all AR locations while following COVID protocol. Alternatively, downloadable maps can be found on the vanmuralfest.ca website.
"More than ever, we’ve seen the positive impact that public art and public space brings to communities. This has driven us to harness technology in a way which demonstrates the transformative power of art in our cities. Until we can reconvene, we will continue creating live experiences in public. We really hope this experiment brings joy and inspiration to everyone downtown and beyond." - Andrea Curtis, VMF Executive Director (Interim)
To accompany the augmented reality experience on the streets, VMF has partnered with the Vancouver Public Library to host a series of free online public workshops and discussions to highlight participating artists, and offer opportunities for dialogue and connection around the artwork.
VMF is dedicated to artistic and cultural development in our city. The past year has reinforced the importance of public art in connecting people and communities. As the world evolves, VMF is committed to continually reimagining how we safely bring together art and people in public space.
Thanks to our many partners including Downtown Vancouver BIA and Vancouver Pride Society for their support in making this happen.
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About Vancouver Mural Festival:
VMF is dedicated to artistic and cultural development in Vancouver. We create experiences that connect art and people in public space. Since 2016, VMF has created 250+ murals, grown the annual Vancouver Mural Festival into one of Canada’s premiere events, and continues to reimagine public art and events in our city. We recognize that our event and murals are produced on the traditional unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. Learn more at vanmuralfest.ca or @vanmuralfest.
Presenting Sponsor: Downtown Vancouver BIA
Sponsor: Vancouver Pride Society
