Brookfield Properties is developing a residential tower at 810 Agnes Street and supporting the design and construction of a park on City-owned land adjacent to the tower. Funding for this project includes additional contributions for public art to be integrated into the overall design of the park.
The new park is located at 824 Agnes Street, the former site of the Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) and in a neighbourhood known as the second Chinatown in New Westminster. The Agnes Street Park will celebrate and pay tribute to the municipality's early Chinese Canadian community as part of New Westminster's ongoing Chinese reconciliation process.
In 2023, artist Karen Tam was selected for her concept, "Grove of Wild Bamboo and Sweet Peas," that draws inspiration from archival photographs and documents, creating a visual narrative that bridges the past, present, and future of this site. It reflects on the history and stories of the Chinese community in New Westminster, where the CBA building served as a hub and space to bring together family, kinsfolk, and friends, in its incarnations as a Chinese hospital, Chinese school, and meeting hall.
"As I delved into the history of the Chinese community in New Westminster, I was struck by the depth of contributions made by early families and the important role they played in shaping the city. In addition to researching archival images and institutional collections, I connected with individuals and families who generously shared their personal histories and photographs. Their openness and willingness to share these stories added an invaluable personal and historical dimension to the artwork. I was particularly inspired by the resilience of these families and their ability to create community despite systemic barriers. The process of incorporating their narratives into the final design allowed me to visually honour their experiences and ensure their histories are recognized and remembered."
About the Artist
Karen Tam Tan Jia Wen is a Tiohtia:ke/Montreal-based artist and curator exploring the constructions and imaginations of cultures and communities through her installations. Since 2000, she has exhibited her work in North America, Europe, and China at venues such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Victoria and Albert Museum, and He Xiangning Art Museum. Tam has received grants and fellowships from the Canada Council for the Arts, Conseil des arts du Quebec, and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Winner of the 2021 Giverny Capital Prize, she was a finalist for the 2017 Louis-Comtois Prize, and a finalist for the 2016 Prix en art actuel from the Musee national des beaux-arts de Quebec.
Tam holds an MFA in Sculpture (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) and a PhD in Cultural Studies (Goldsmiths, University of London). She is Adjunct Curator at Griffin Art Projects and is represented by Galerie Hugues Charbonneau.
Artist's website: karentam.ca
