Port Moody calls on artists to bring Burrard Inlet to life in new street banner program

Participants painting in the Civic Centre Galleria during the last program. photo supplied City of Port Moody

Port Moody is calling on local artists to help brighten the city’s streets with original banner designs.

The City of the Arts has opened submissions for its annual StreetArts Banner Program, which invites community members to submit artwork inspired by this year’s theme: the Burrard Inlet.

The deadline is Oct. 10, and the city will select 30 winning designs to be painted and displayed on street poles starting in April.

“StreetArts is a wonderful program that encourages creativity, strengthens community connections, and adds vibrancy to our streets,” stated Mayor Meghan Lahti in a press release. “I encourage anyone who may be interested to pick up a pencil, grab an application form, and start drawing. I’m excited to see how our residents bring this year’s theme . . . to life.”

The program is open to adults and children aged six and older. Designs must reflect the Burrard Inlet theme and follow the city’s specifications, available online at portmoody.ca/streetarts or in paper form at Port Moody’s city hall, public library, or the recreation complex.

Applications, complete with original artwork, must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Oct. 10. Entries can be emailed to the city’s community arts coordinator or dropped off at city hall or the recreation complex. A selection panel will review the designs this fall.

The chosen artists will be invited to the Community Banner Painting Festival in the Civic Centre Galleria on Jan.17 and 18 to finalize their designs. The finished banners will first be displayed inside the Galleria from Jan. 19 to 28, before being installed on city streets, where they will remain until April 2028.

Participants will have the option of keeping their banners once they are removed.

The city is also seeking volunteers to help at the January festival. Roles include supporting painters with setup and cleanup (open to those aged 14 and older) and assisting in painting 15 duplicate banners for display in Pioneer Memorial Park. Younger children can volunteer if accompanied by an adult.

In addition to the community-designed banners, the StreetArts program also features student banners created by local secondary school students and artist-designed banners produced by professionals.

Full details on how to submit artwork or volunteer are available at portmoody.ca/streetarts.