CALGARY – On Friday, Shaw Communications launched a public art experience where LGBTQ2SIA+ and BIPOC artists have created murals at the four corner entrances to Central Memorial Park in recognition of Calgary Pride.
“Thirty years ago, in a very different environment, 100 brave members of Calgary’s LGBTQ2SIA+ community gathered in the park to protest discrimination and fight for equality in what would later become acknowledged as the city’s first Pride rally,” reminds the Shaw press release.
“In this extraordinary year, we weren’t able to join Calgarians en masse to celebrate Calgary Pride as we normally would. But we can still partner with Calgary Pride, The City of Calgary, Calgary Arts Development and the amazing artists in our community to create something that everyone can enjoy safely, on their own time and terms,” said Katherine Emberly, president, business, brand and communications, Shaw Communications (pictured at the launch).
Shaw provided each individual artist or team with $2,500 to create their murals for Pride Marches On.
“These murals tell a story. And it’s storytelling that helps the community share experiences, struggles, and the challenges overcome. Our hope is that the stories told through these murals provide a chance to connect, emphasize, and inspire,” she added.
“Authentic allyship is when we take action to not only recognize, but to also celebrate the breadth of diversity and voice that is reflected in the Pride movement. This collaboration very purposefully does just that,” said Parker Chapple, executive director, Calgary Pride, in the release.
“It’s a wonderful thing when arts organizations and corporate partners like Shaw join forces to enable the power of art, to bring our diverse community together and celebrate, even at a time when we have to keep a bit of distance between us,” added said Patti Pon, president and CEO, Calgary Arts Development.
For more on the murals and the artists, please click here.
Photo borrowed from Shaw’s Twitter account.
