Kelowna artists bring creative energy to major events. Now it’s your turn.

When major events come to Kelowna, they do more than fill venues. They create opportunities for local artists to step into the spotlight.

During the 2025 Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs), more than 27,500 attendees experienced Kelowna not only as a host city, but as a vibrant creative hub. Through the Major Event Artist Grant, five local artists transformed downtown and the Cultural District into an interactive, city-wide gallery. These projects showed how art can shape how residents and visitors experience a national event. 

HORSEPOWER,  Adam Kereliuk, 2025. 

These works invited residents and visitors to experience art in engaging and memorable ways. From the striking mosaic cowboy silhouette Birch Cassidy and the immersive, life-sized storybook From Sunrise to Stage, to playful installations like HORSEPOWER and community-driven pieces such as Campfire Stories and the vibrant 3D mural Wilde Fun at the CCMA, each artist’s installation added energy, creativity, and vibrancy to the city. 

Together, these artists' contributions transformed Kelowna into a living gallery shaped by local talent and experienced by thousands. They offered artists the chance to work at a larger scale, connect with new audiences, and contribute directly to a nationally recognized event. 

Birch Cassidy, Tyson Neufeld & Chantel Thederahn, 2025. 

As past grant recipient Raj Jain shared, “This grant made a big difference. It gave me the push and confidence to slow down, try things, and actually create something larger than I usually would. It also helped me feel more connected and seen as an artist in Kelowna. It wasn’t just funding; it really helped me grow as a visual artist.” 

The 2025 CCMAs demonstrated how investing in local creativity can amplify both the impact of major events and the visibility of the talented artists who help bring them to life. The City continues to create meaningful opportunities for artists to showcase their work public art  through programs like the Major Event Artist Grant. By transforming public spaces into interactive and welcoming environments, the program highlights the unique character of each event and strengthens community connection. 

The Staycationers, Sara Peacock, 2026. 

In 2026, the Memorial Cup once again brought national attention to Kelowna. It also created new opportunities for local artists to get involved. Artists were invited to create immersive, hockey-themed public art installations designed for busy public spaces. These works helped engage fans and showcase Kelowna’s creative community. 

Behind My Mask, Rylan Broadbent, 2026. 

From bold, interactive pieces to community-focused installations, public art plays an important role in how Kelowna celebrates major events. It brings energy, creativity, and local talent into shared spaces across the city. 

These opportunities continue to grow and Kelowna artists are invited to build on the momentum. 

Leave your mark 

Applications are open for a range of City-supported artist programs. Free Artist Opportunities Info Sessions are available online to help you get started. 

Whether you are an emerging or established artist, these sessions will walk you through available grants and programs. You will also get practical tips to help strengthen your application. 

Sessions are being offered: 

• June 10, 12–1 p.m. 
• June 11, 6:30–7:30 p.m. 

From community art projects to artist residencies and youth opportunities, these programs are designed to help bring artists’ ideas to life and enrich our community’s cultural landscape. They support professional growth and create more opportunities to share your work in public spaces. 

Be part of what’s next. Learn more and register for an info session at kelowna.ca/artistopportunities.