Reflections on BUMP’s Inaugural Urban Art Conference: A Catalyst for Change

Sunday August 25, 2024

This year, we expanded the BUMP Festival’s format by introducing a two-day conference, the Urban Art Conference, which saw an enthusiastic participation of over 400 attendees. This inaugural event has set a new benchmark for conversations surrounding public art and its role in shaping urban spaces.

The conference commenced with a keynote address by Sue Ying Strang, who eloquently spoke on Purpose in the Public Realm and what it means to engage with art that infuses with the places we navigate everyday. Her insights laid the groundwork for the day, which seamlessly transitioned into the first panel discussion, Public Art, Participation, and the Shifting Urban Landscape. Notable Calgary leaders in the public arts space Jasmine Palardy, Shauna Thompson, Jonny Hehr, and Alana Bartol explored the transformative power of public art in cultivating vibrant communities. Their dialogue highlighted how public art can serve as a vehicle for engagement and connection, making urban spaces more inclusive and reflective of the diverse communities they represent.

During the lunch hour, attendees were treated to a Public Art 101 session led by Dawn van de Schoot of Calgary Arts Development. This session, tailored specifically for BUMP, offered invaluable insights into how artists can transition their studio practice to the public realm through murals, opening doors to the broader world of public art.

The day concluded with a profound discussion titled Revolution, Liberation, and Change, featuring Trevor Stark from the University of Calgary, Dan Cardinal from Stride, and local favorite Harvey Nichol. They delved into the history, power, and relevance of public art as a catalyst for social change and liberation. This conversation underscored the role of art in challenging societal norms and inspiring collective action.

Day two of the conference continued to build on the momentum, beginning with an engaging panel featuring Keli Polluck, Edward Campbell, and Anna Lake. They explored how authentic stories from specific places and communities influence the identity of those spaces, as shaped by creative directors and brand builders. The discussion was thought-provoking, with attendees actively participating, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities in defining Calgary’s identity in this era.

The afternoon brought together a diverse panel of graffiti writers—Lady Benz, Curly, Wesley, and Nasarimba—who offered their perspectives on the role of graffiti in the public realm today. They discussed its capacity to create community while simultaneously becoming a politicized and divisive culture within the mainstream. It was evident from both the speakers and the audience that the graffiti scene in 2024 is anything but monolithic; it is a dynamic, evolving force that continues to challenge and redefine public art.

The conference also provided an intimate workshop titled Methods of a Muralist, led by local artist Kat Simmers. This session was particularly valuable for those looking to expand their public art careers, offering practical guidance on securing funding and evolving one’s practice with intention and purpose.

BUMP’s Urban Art Conference hopes to be a catalyst for change, sparking essential conversations about the evolving role of public art in our society. We are grateful for the engagement and enthusiasm shown by all participants and look forward to continuing these discussions in the future. Stay connected with us on our social media channels for updates on upcoming programming, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming you to next year’s conference.