Downtown chalk art promotes City’s ongoing artist opportunities

What better way to spread news about the City of Kelowna’s many artist opportunities than through art itself? This was the thought behind the Culture team’s newest campaign to bring both smiles to the faces of residents and visitors, while helping to ensure the art community was also made aware!  

In early June, with a long-term forecast of dry weather, a series of eye-popping 3D chalk art murals were created throughout the downtown, including the Waterfront Park promenade, Stuart Park, Rotary Centre for the Arts and Bernard Avenue. These stunning, albeit temporary, drawings celebrated various forms of art, including dance, painting, music and photography. Beside each mural, a large sticker provided information about the artist installation and another sticker directed artists to learn more about artist opportunities via a QR code.  

While the chalk displays may have faded out the artist opportunities are very much still present.  

Artist opportunities 

Each year, the City of Kelowna invites Okanagan-based artists, professional or emerging, to learn about and apply for various City art opportunities. These include: 

Artist in Residence
One artist or artist collective will be chosen for a 10-week residency to create an immersive art project that addresses the environment or climate change and brings the community together. Interested applicants can apply online  for up to $12,000 by July 14.  

Community Art Grant 
Local artists or organizations who want to transform public spaces through public art projects are encouraged to apply online for a Community Art Grant of up to $5,000 until August 22. Projects can be in any medium, should animate a public space and encourage engagement from the public. 

Creative Youth Perspective 
The Creative Youth Perspective program offers a paid opportunity for local youth exploring a creative discipline to contribute monthly write-ups in the City’s Arts & Culture e-newsletter. Two young artists between the ages of 15 and 21 will be chosen to represent the 2025-2026 term and will receive $600 for six submissions.  Apply online now until July 15. 

Artist in Residence - Youth Selection Panel 
The City of Kelowna is seeking interested youth (ages 15- 21) to serve on an all-youth artist selection panel. This panel will review the Artist in Residence final proposals and provide recommendations to the City of Kelowna Cultural Services Branch. Express your interest online.

More about the artist behind the chalk  

Local chalk artist Shawn Smith, based in the Okanagan Shuswap area, has been turning ordinary sidewalks into stunning 3D murals that stop people in their tracks. Whether it’s a hand-drawn menu or a massive street illustration, his work blends creativity and storytelling in a way that captivates passersby   

“Since I was old enough to hold a pencil, I loved to draw,” Shawn says. “I have always been passionate about art, hand lettering and being creative.  Having an entrepreneurial spirit, I recognized an opportunity to combine them both by doing chalk art. I'm grateful for all the amazing art projects I've been involved with and the awesome people I've worked with over the years.” 

Learn more about all things culture, including public art and artist opportunities, at kelowna.ca/culture.