Every summer, the city is taken over by colourful events, introspective panels and lavish drag shows to celebrate Calgary Pride. This year, festivities are taking place over a 10-day period leading up to Labour "Gay" long weekend and feature a mix of virtual and in-person Queer-centred events to bring people together safely in recognition and celebration of sexual and gender diversity.
Through the Shaw Pride Marches On campaign, artists from the 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities and their allies have created the City of Calgary's second annual art walk in Central Memorial Park. This collection of murals celebrate Pride, community and connection, and is helping create a safe space for the Queer community.
This year's Shaw Pride Marches On art walk features four colourful corner murals created by local artists including Ash Adams, Vanessa Toews, Colin Menzies, Wilmer Aburto, Chishimba Matthew Kangombe, Mackenzie Bedford, Nicole Wolf and Mike Hooves.
The art walk is an opportunity to give Queer folks access to in-person spaces. Though the number of online Queer spaces continues to grow, the pandemic has kept community members from connecting IRL for over a year and a half.
In fact, the pandemic has exacerbated inequalities in income, financial security and housing insecurity between 2SLGBTQ+ and non-2SLGBTQ+ Canadians. Combined with anti-LGBTQ sentiment and targeted violence that persists across Canada and the world, the art walk acts as a way to bring people within the Queer community together safely.
The art walk is an opportunity to increase the 2SLGBTQ+ community's visibility in the city, acting as a reminder for allies to amplify underrepresented voices and support the message of acceptance.
As you plan your itinerary for Calgary Pride, be sure to stroll the sidewalks (decorated with rainbow and Trans colours) at Central Memorial Park, and check out the four murals painted by local 2SLGBTQ+ artists. Running until October 3, this is a fun and meaningful opportunity to connect with your community and take in some stunning artwork.
Shaw Pride Marches On Art Walk
Price: Free
Address: Central Memorial Park, Calgary, AB
Details: Walk the rainbow sidewalks at Central Memorial Park to check out the four kaleidoscopic corner murals painted by local 2SLGBTQ+, BIPOC and ally artists.
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