Public Art Community Engagement
The Fernie and District Arts Council serves as the lead organization for public art implementation in Fernie and facilitates public art projects on behalf of the City of Fernie. We currently manage three large-scale mural projects that have been commissioned, installed, and are owned and maintained by the Arts Council.
Four additional mural projects are currently in development. We are now in the public engagement stage and invite the community to learn more about these projects, share feedback, and help shape the future of public art in Fernie.
Read more about the upcoming projects below and complete the survey to provide your input on these murals and future public art opportunities in our community.
Fernie Childcare & Housing
The Fernie & District Arts Council is partnering with the Elk Valley Family Society to bring public art to the new childcare building. Funding has been secured by the Elk Valley Family Society for large-scale permanent murals by a Ktunaxa artist. The murals will be integrated into prominent exterior locations and commissioned through the Arts Council.
Downtown Murals
The City of Fernie is investing $50,000 in a new Downtown Mural Installation Project through the RDS Animation Infrastructure program. Additional funding has been obtained to support the project from CKCA. Over the next two years, at least two permanent public murals will be created to enhance the downtown streetscape and provide new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience Fernie’s vibrant arts and culture.
The project will strengthen Fernie’s appeal as a cultural destination by creating engaging, walkable public art experiences that support self-guided arts and cultural tours while celebrating local creativity.
The murals will be located throughout Fernie’s historic downtown, with locations currently being finalized in collaboration with the community and participating property owners.
Old Fire Hall Redevelopment
The Fernie & District Arts Council is proposing two large-scale permanent murals for the Old Firehall Redevelopment at 692 3rd Avenue. Integrated into the building’s exterior, the murals will celebrate Fernie’s connection to the Elk River watershed and the Columbia River system while transforming a prominent downtown landmark into an accessible public art destination. The project is currently awaiting a funding decision, with artist opportunities and community updates to follow if funding is approved.
Public Enagagement
Our current public art projects are now in the public engagement stage. Your feedback will help guide these projects and inform future public art throughout Fernie. Complete our survey and share your ideas to help shape the future of public art in our community.
Stay tuned for more opportunties for engagement this summer including public art walks, roundtables and chances to participate during Out of the Box Festival.
Direct engagement will also take place with key stakeholders and project partners to gather additional perspectives and ensure a broad range of community voices help inform the future of public art in Fernie.
