Hello and Welcome to the Art Walk Project

The Art Walk Project is a project that explores community and creativity through public art.

I have always loved Street art.

Something about it speaks straight to my soul and it’s one of the things I have always been totally fascinated by. Maybe its the subversive nature, the unfiltered messages or its at times unsanctioned appearance, as well as the fact that it is often one of the few places that give a voice to the unheard and can add critical layers and depth to our ongoing social, political, economic and cultural discussions which makes it so attractive as a creative outlet. Maybe even more simply, as an artist myself i’m just in awe of the incredible skill of some of the artists who take the time to design and share their murals, sculptures, installations etc… in such a public form. In my opinion the creation and installation of this type of art is a uniquely powerful and at times defiant act that speaks to each of us deep down in our core. 

Whatever you may think about the public art you see be it street art, graffiti, murals, sculptures, posters, stickers, architecture, installations etc… it is unique in its ability to reach a wider audience with its message. It has a way of talking to us and teaching us about who we are, who we were and who we hope to be. In that way this type of art in particular can provide a window into worlds we have never previously considered.

Started in 2020 the The Art Walk Project was in many ways created as my reaction to the long period of lockdown we experienced early in the pandemic. Like everyone I was feeling anxious, suffocated, bored and cut off from everything. It was devastating and I quickly realized I needed to find a way to redirect some of my energy away from all the screens and the news cycle. I had to find something to do that would push me out of my pandemic funk, challenge me and make me excited to do it every day.

In early July 2020 I headed back into the city determined to reclaim some of my favourite activities. My goals were simple. I wanted to reconnect with familiar places, get some exercise, and see how much public art I could find. It took me an entire day to scour one small neighborhood but by the end of my excursion I felt refreshed and rejuvenated in a way I hadn’t since the New Year and I wondered if others might enjoy this type of activity as well. 

The resulting Art Walks are an exploration of community, creativity, diversity and activism that were designed to create a unique and refreshing experience for each visitor by curating a self guided Art Walk which features a broad spectrum of public art in different neighborhoods and public spaces.

As a public art project about public art, each Art Walk features art from across a broad spectrum of vision, experience, style and time and is centered around a specific geographic location. Included in each walk is a short written post, a custom map, information about the artists (website, IG handle), a photo gallery and downloadable PDFs of both the map and the artwork listed to printout and take with you as your tour, if that is preferred. 

The Art Walk Project is owned and operated by Julia Swanson. All Images and Content © Julia Swanson, 2023. For questions or Press inquiries, please contact me here.

Thank you for your support and thank you for stopping by. As always live creatively and travel safely!