Sydney Black says the second annual Nelson International Mural Festival isn’t just bigger and better, but more inclusive as well.
The executive director of the Nelson and District Arts Council who helped organize the event says she focused on accessibility and representation in the second year of the festival, which runs Aug. 16 to 18.
“It’s just for everybody,” said Black. “We’re just trying to bring representation to all members of our community, not only by including all members of our community but also showcasing and featuring people who are representative of everyone who lives here, of our diverse cultures.
“That’s really been an important point that we are trying to drive home with the mural festival.”
The festival made a successful debut last year with eight murals painted around the city. This year nine will be painted around Nelson by eight muralists from Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, the Okanagan Nation, the United Kingdom and Interior B.C.
The event also includes more than murals. Concerts including approximately 20 acts will run at Hall Street Plaza from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday’s opening night and 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Oxygen Arts Centre will also hold free, all-ages workshops on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a variety of topics including dance and poetry.
Black said organizers have also partnered with the Nelson chapter of Cycling Without Age to offer free tours of the murals for people with mobility issues. A seniors’ section at the plaza with a shaded seating area, as well as a kids’ tent, are also included.
“Everything is totally free and completely accessible for all ages. There’s something for everybody.”
Related:
• VIDEO: A Nelson mural about displacement
• Mural designed by Grade 5 student painted at credit union
• VIDEO: First piece completed for Nelson International Mural Festival
• Nelson’s mural festival: scenes from opening night
• VIDEO: Auto repair shop celebrates Nelson mural festival
tyler.harper@nelsonstar.com
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