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PUBLIC ART

The City of New Westminster's Public Art Program is administered by the City’s Art Services staff, reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer. Art Services staff provide leadership in the planning, coordination and implementation of public art for the City in alignment with the Public Art Policy.

Land Acknowledgement

We recognise and respect that New Westminster is on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halkomelem speaking peoples. We acknowledge that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land. As a City, we are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.

Learn more about our land acknowledgement here.

About Public Art

In 2012, the City of New Westminster adopted its first Public Art Policy which lays out the foundation for creating an exciting and engaging Public Art Program. The goals of this Policy promote and encourage diverse and inclusive opportunities that help animate the urban landscape, nurture civic dialogue and support the development and growth of the arts in the city. 

What's New?

PUBLIC ART PLAN (coming soon)

PUBLIC ART POLICY

PUBLIC ART REGISTRY

CALLS AND OPPORTUNITIES

ARTIST ROSTER 2022-2024

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Image credit: birds on a branch by Metz & Chew

  • ACTIVE PROJECT: Capture at Anvil

    Rebecca Bair
    Mock-up of Curl Mapped by Rebecca Bair
     
    In partnership with Capture Photography Festival, the City of New Westminster commissioned a temporary installation for the glass façade of the Anvil Centre. Vancouver-based artist Rebecca Bair was selected through an invitational process led by curator, Emmy Lee Wall.
     
    Situated on the façade of the Anvil Centre in New Westminster, Rebecca Bair's site-specific installation, Curl Mapped, tackles the complex, colonial history of archives to represent that which is absent: traces of Black settlers in this region. Bair spent significant time in the city archives poring over the leather-bound ledgers, reading the handwritten notes, and examining the photographs therein only to discover a gap - what she describes as "a ghost in the space." In Curl Mapped, Bair interrupts parts of the map with curly tendrils of hair, which for her is symbolic of heritage and cultural care.
     
    On view from April 1, 2023 - March 1, 2024 at the Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC and will be presented as part of the 10th Annual Capture Photography Festival.
     

  • ACTIVE PROJECT: Boundary Road Drainage Pump Station

    Hanna Benihoud

    Hanna Benihoud was commissioned for a design-only contract for an integrated public artwork at the Boundary Road Drainage Pump Station. Design-only opportunities allow for artists to collaborate with the design team to include public art in the overall concept of the space. 

    "The idea is simple. The Pump Station design team is to be lead by a group of 6-9 year olds. The pump station will be will be a piece that embodies the inhibitions of youth and the magic of imagination." - Hanna Benihoud

    Based on workshops held with children, the  artwork will consist of a series of small playful gargoyles and painted horizontal and vertical surfaces surrounding the pump station.
     

    More about the Artist

     

  • ACTIVE PROJECT: Agnes Greenway Crosswalks

    Rain Pierre

    Rain Pierre, a local artist from the Katzie First Nation has been commissioned for a design-only contract to develop artworks for two crosswalks in school zones adjacent to Qayqayt Elementary School.

    Informed by Pierre’s previous Legacy Projects, the Agnes Greenway crosswalk designs will be developed with a youth art competition based on the theme of reconciliation.

    More about the Artist

  • ACTIVE PROJECT: Artist-Initiated Public Art Project

    Emilie Crewe

    This temporary public art opportunity supports artist-led initiatives, experimentation and builds capacity.

    Through an open call, three artists were shortlisted to develop concept proposals. A Selection Panel awarded the opportunity to North Vancouver-based artist, Emilie Crewe will develop a temporary interactive LED installation on the façade of City Hall referencing the City of New Westminster’s response to reforming the BC Police Act.

    More about the Artist

  • ACTIVE PROJECT: təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre

    James Harry

    For the təməsew̓txʷ public art project, an open call to Indigenous artists and/or artist teams was developed. Following a two-stage selection process, the commission was awarded to James Harry, a Coast Salish artist from Vancouver.

    The work is a large-scale sculpture referencing traditional Coast Salish design motifs and the Glenbrook Ravine. 

    Learn more here.

    More about the Artist

    Image credit: Miyiwts (concept image) by James Harry

  • Public Art Tours

    ​Learn more about the artworks commissioned over the years:

    Explore the Registry through self-guided tours: