Introducing Downtown Van’s first-ever public art strategy, setting a visionary path for public art from 2025 – 2027
On April 23, 2025, Downtown Van launched its first-ever Public Art Strategy, setting a visionary path for public art from 2025 to 2027. This plan integrates art into the fabric of downtown Vancouver, fostering a vibrant, safe, and inclusive urban environment while reinforcing the city’s unique identity.
Public art is more than just decoration—it shapes our public spaces, is an economic driver, strengthens community ties, and enhances safety. This three-year strategic plan provides a structured framework to ensure public art plays a vital role in the future of downtown Vancouver.
Download the Strategy
About the Process
Downtown Van’s Public Art Strategy was developed through a four-phase process that combined research, engagement, and expert review. Beginning with an analysis of Downtown Vancouver’s public art landscape, the strategy evolved through workshops, strategic planning, and a peer review process, ensuring a comprehensive and community-oriented vision for public art from 2025 to 2027.
Vison
At Downtown Van, we envision Public Art as a vibrant expression of the essence of our City Centre, celebrating our unique identity and cultural diversity. By inspiring awe through engaging artworks and amplifying diverse voices, we create welcoming spaces that foster connection and belonging, transforming Downtown Vancouver into an inclusive place for all.
Guiding Principles
- Art that evokes awe
- Art as a bridge
- Very Downtown Van
- Art that makes you stay
Key Objectives
- People: Elevate the voices of businesses and the community
- Identity: Strengthen Downtown Vancouver’s distinct character
- Advocacy: Align with broader strategic priorities for placemaking and experience
- Safety: Foster a sense of security through thoughtful artistic interventions
- Action: Enrich public spaces with impactful and dynamic artworks
- Process: Develop transparent and equitable decision-making structures
- Economy: Showcase the economic value of public art initiatives
Strategic Priorities
To bring these objectives to life, Downtown Van will focus on:
- Including members and local communities in Public Art process
- Creating opportunities for artworks that enhance safety
- Including artworks of various scales, permanence, and budgets
- Instigating action and impact through art
About the Consultant
Aartplace is a professional art consulting studio specializing in the curation, development, and delivery of art programs, strategies, and collections for public institutions, corporate entities, and private clients. Its mission is to create connections between people and places through the meaningful integration of art with the built environment.
What’s Ahead
Over the next three years, Downtown Van will invest in dynamic projects, including temporary installations, lighting activations, landmark artworks, and artist-led engagements. The phased approach ensures steady progress, with a growing impact each year.
We invite property owners, local businesses, artists, and community members to be part of this work. Whether through engagement sessions, public surveys, or site partnerships, your input shapes the future of public art in Downtown Vancouver.
Stay Connected
Follow our progress and get involved by contacting Claire Leonard at clairel@dtvan.ca
