Calgary’s 2024 Pride Mural to Debut at BUMP Festival 2024!
Thursday June 27, 2024
Hey BUMP Festival fans! 🎉 We have some incredible news that’s going to add even more color and joy to our vibrant city. We’re absolutely thrilled to announce on the final days of Pride month the creation of the 2024 Pride Mural, a landmark project celebrating inclusivity, queer joy, and pride right here in Calgary on the Beltline.
This exciting collaboration with Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes) and Calgary Queer Arts Society is about making space for everyone in our community. The Pride Mural will be one of the headlining art installations at this year’s BUMP Festival, taking place from August 3-18.
We’ve selected the incredibly talented Kat Simmers, a local trans artist, writer, and muralist, to lead this project. Kat’s work is renowned for its vivid imagery and powerful storytelling, making them the perfect artist to bring this historic mural to life. Kat has worked with us through the years as an artist, instructor, assistant, mentor and an incredible resource for new and emerging artists from our community.
As Kat says, “I am deeply honoured to be selected to paint a pride-themed mural for this year’s BUMP festival. As a trans woman and muralist, my journey intertwines with the vibrant tapestry of our city’s 2SLGBTQIA+ and artistic communities. In my years of professional practice, I’ve witnessed a renaissance in both muralism and queer artistry in this city. It’s been a privilege to ride these creative waves towards success in my personal and professional life.”
“I am thrilled by the opportunity to create a monument to the communities that have supported me in my wild adventures as a public artist. With a kaleidoscopic colour palette, I intend to create a monument that celebrates the profound resilience and diversity of my friends and kin who call Mohkinstsis (Calgary) home.”
“We are incredibly excited to partner with Blakes and Calgary Queer Arts Society to bring this Pride mural to life. This mural is not just a piece of art; it’s a symbol of our commitment to inclusivity and celebrating the diversity that makes Calgary so special. We believe in making space for everyone in our city, and this project is a significant step in that direction.” says our Mural Manager, Anna MacLaren.
Blakes and Calgary Queer Arts Society have been fantastic partners, sharing our vision of a more inclusive and welcoming community. Brendan MacArthur-Stevens, a Partner at Blakes, shared his enthusiasm: “Blakes is proud to partner with BUMP and the Calgary Queer Arts Society to celebrate pride and the resilience of the queer community in Alberta through the power of art. Happy Pride Calgary!” 🌈
“Public art provides a moment of respite in the business of living, and this mural will provide a moment of Queer joy, celebration and community. It will also share a message to Calgarians young and old that a city as vibrant as ours has the power to welcome everyone.” Said Shone Thistle, Executive Director of Calgary Queer Arts Society.
Mark your calendars because the unveiling of this 90-foot-tall masterpiece on the Beltline is scheduled for late August. You won’t want to miss the painting process during the BUMP Festival from August 3-18. It’s going to be a stunning visual addition to Calgary’s landscape and a powerful statement of solidarity and support for the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
Stay tuned for more updates and visit our instagram & project page for emerging details about the Pride mural project. Let’s make this BUMP Festival the best one yet! Happy Pride! 🌟
See you at the festival!