Halifax Mural Fest Returns to Beautify City
HALIFAX — After its opening year in 2022, the Halifax Mural Fest will return between July 3 and 9. The community-based art event, which will take place in the Quinpool District and surrounding area, features both established and emerging artists from Canada and international locations.
Artist Michael Burt, founder of the festival and owner of the mural company Trackside Studios, says that after a successful first year, the festival is growing.
“We did really well with painting walls last year, that’s kind of my forte. This year I partnered with some businesses and organizations for the event stuff. We have Unity Charity throwing our closing party and our opening party is being thrown by Red Bull and Pro Skates down at the Commons Skate Park.”
The festival allows artists to connect with one another and work on their mural painting skills.
“One of the main goals is to beautify the city. The other goal is to give artists the opportunity to paint their own designs. A lot of the time when you’re commissioned for a mural, there are stipulations. So it’s a chance for artists to paint something of their own, to build that portfolio and hopefully get more work,” says Burt.
Halifax-based artist, John McPartland (aka ABSEN) is looking forward to participating in the festival again with a larger mural and will be giving an elementary school a much-needed facelift.
“It’s a very old school and needs a paint job. The kids are going to love it and the parents are going to be happy that it looks nicer than when they left it at the end of the school year. There’s a lot around it to be excited about.”
He says the aim among the artists is to leave Halifax a little prettier than they found it.
“Downtown is getting a lot of new buildings and architecture, which brightens up the city. Quinpool is starting to take that route, but there are still a lot of walls that could use some life in them. With a mural festival, you have multiple artists all working at the same time, it’s really cool and there’s lots of community engagement involved.”
The Oxford Taproom was the location of the closing party at last year’s festival. It also serves as a hub for artists to stop in for a break while they are in the midst of painting their murals. Courtney Quinn, manager of the taproom says the festival brings attention to businesses in the neighbourhood.
“The festival brings a certain light to Quinpool, which is already a dynamic and lively street with a variety of people. The murals themselves bring colour. Quinpool is often seen as a highway, just a drive-through street. I think this makes people stop, look, and actually walk down the street, which is great for all businesses. I expect this year is going to be even better.”
Cortney Ellis is a Huddle contributor covering Moncton. Send her your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].