Immerse yourself in art: 4 public art projects to check out this summer
Public Service Announcement
This summer, Kelowna comes alive with creativity through a series of public art projects. From visual storytelling and sonic landscapes to light-based installations and participatory workshops, these projects invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy and participate in art in public spaces.
Here’s what’s in store:
Now until August 31, look for signage at City Park, Knox Mountain Park, Mission Creek, Pandosy Public Pier and the Rotary Centre for the Arts’ Art Walk
PSOUNDS is a city-wide sound-based art project that invites the public to listen, record, and contribute. With interactive QR codes scattered throughout Kelowna, participants will explore evolving soundscapes made of stories, music, and natural recordings submitted by the community. The project will culminate in a Listening Party later this fall, where the collective work will be celebrated as a sonic time capsule.
Go Gentle by Erin Scott & Cole Mash
Open House & Workshop #1: July 19, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the base of Knox Mountain
Set against the haunting beauty of post-burn Knox Mountain, Go Gentle blends poetry, science fiction, and environmental reflection in a series of community writing and video workshops. Erin and Cole are the City’s current Artists in Residence. The community can join in the project by attending the open house and workshop followed by a series of events leading up to the Exhibition Closing and Participant Showcase on September 27.
Electric Light by Jordan Doody
September 10-13, behind Columbia Bottle Depot, 1314 St. Paul Street
Kelowna-based interdisciplinary artist Jordan Doody brings her newest work Electric Light to life this summer. This immersive light projection project, which will be projected onto the backside of the Columbia Bottle Depot, celebrates water as both a life source and artistic inspiration. Combining digital media and community-driven visuals, Electric Light reimagines public space after dark — inviting viewers to reflect on the elemental forces that shape our city.
People in Kelowna by Shoaib Shabir
September 26-28, Kelowna Community Theatre exterior
People in Kelowna is a compelling visual storytelling project celebrating the city's diversity. Through portraits and personal interviews, artist Shoaib Shabir reveals the unique identities and stories that shape our community. Portraits will be displayed outside Kelowna Community Theatre via projectors and screens. Each display features a dynamic video collage and a QR code allowing viewers to dive deeper into the stories behind the faces.
The City of Kelowna offers multiple arts and culture grants and opportunities to local artists and community/non-profit organizations on an annual basis. The following opportunities are currently open for applications:
Artist in Residence: applications open until July 14
Community Art Grant: applications open until August 22
Creative Youth Perspective: applications open until July 15
Learn more about all summer public art project or apply for a grant at kelowna.ca/artistopportunities.
