The BUMP Mural Festival, which began as the Beltline Urban Mural Project, has outgrown its original name and is now city wide. The TD-sponsored celebration of murals returns for its eighth year. New artworks will appear on streets between August 3 and 18.
“This year’s themes of the electric and intentional, channels whimsy, joy, and energy to reflect the dynamic transformation of our city through art and innovation,” notes a BUMP press release.
To date, the BUMP Festival has added over 270 public art installations across Calgary. The festival’s annual call for artists is juried by “a diverse cross section of local artists, members of various Alberta arts entities and community-leaders [who] review the applications to develop an artist shortlist.”
This year, 12 mural artists were selected to produce artworks for the festival including Andrea Wan, Ben Johnston, Brian Beyung, Earbugz Collective, Katie Green, Harvey Nichol, JUMU Monster, Meyso, Kat Simmers, Nick Sweetman, Stuart Teekasingh, and Waposhpyii.
Of these 12 artists, two are returning BUMP alums — the local artists Katie Green and Kat Simmers. Both artists have presented exceptional contributions to the vibrance of the communities where their artworks live.
Green’s work from 2018, at 10th Avenue and 12th Street S.W., displays a place between dream and myth that reflects human emotion and experience. Almost at eye level with clouds, a green-haired antlered mother-spirit-like figure is rosy-cheeked and red-nosed. The figure exhales a large salmon as birds watch from a perch amidst mushroom growth and what appear to be rib-like forms — the aura of life is powerful and timeless.
Simmers’ contribution from 2019, at 1302 4 Street S.W., showcases a signature illustration style with an acute sense of space that encourages the viewer to imagine and reflect. The past work features an image of an open book; a floral bouquet spills from the pages. Smoke trails from a low-burned candle. There is an empty glass and the morning sun — with a twist of lemon. Watching the viewer, a sparrow perches on the handle of a pocket knife with its blade sunk part-way into an apple. All together it’s composition and colour magic.
One of the headlining installations this summer is a 90-foot mural by Simmers which is a collaboration with Blakes and the Calgary Queer Arts Society. The BUMP press release notes, “The 2024 Pride Mural is a landmark project celebrating inclusivity, queer joy, and pride in our vibrant city.”
“I am deeply honoured to be selected to paint a pride-themed mural for this year’s BUMP festival,” says Simmers. “As a trans woman and muralist, my journey intertwines with the vibrant tapestry of our city’s 2SLGBTQIA+ and artistic communities. I am thrilled by the opportunity to create a monument that celebrates the profound resilience and diversity of my friends and kin who call Mohkinstsis (Calgary) home.”
According to BUMP, “Simmers brings a unique perspective and deep commitment to the themes of inclusivity and queer representation. Simmers’ work is known for its vivid imagery and powerful storytelling, making them the perfect artist to spearhead this historic project.”
BUMP Events
The BUMP Festival kicks off with the inaugural BUMP Urban Art Conference held August 8 and 9 and includes workshops, panel discussions and networking events. Topics include civic identity, the future of graffiti, and social change through public art.
August 3 to 18 — Muralists painting new works
(various locations)
August 8, Panel 1 – Public Art, Participation, and the Shifting Urban Landscape
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Platform Calgary, 407 9 Ave. S.E.)
August 8, Panel 2 – Revolution, Liberation and Change through Public Art
3:00 PM – 4:40 p.m., Platform Calgary, 407 9 Ave. S.E.
August 10 — High Park rooftop public space features live graffiti, music, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament
340 10 Ave. S.W.
August 14 — High Park rooftop public space features outdoor screening of Hong Kong 90s art-house film “Chungking Express”
340 10 Ave. S.W.
August 17 — The Trinity Kiki Ball & Rave (Free Event)
5 p.m. to Midnight, 727 11 Ave. S.W.
Throughout the festival, free 90-minute guided tours of the murals will take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Visit yycbump.ca for more information and tickets.
