Surrey Council Greenlights Public Art Initiative for 2026

Surrey Council has approved a contract to hire artist Julia Vasileva for the design of public art street banners scheduled for installation in 2026. The initiative aims to enhance the city’s streetscape by placing approximately 100 banners on street poles throughout Surrey.

Laurie Cavan, the General Manager of Parks, Recreation and Culture, highlighted the role of public art in enriching community life. In a report presented to the council, Cavan stated, “Public art street banners provide an opportunity for artists to share their creativity with the community, while also enhancing the City’s public realm.” This initiative is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve the experience of roads and pathways for drivers, cyclists, transit users, and pedestrians.

The design process involved a thorough review of 76 proposals by a dedicated panel. Vasileva, a Vancouver-based artist known for her work in children’s literature, greeting cards, and various public art projects, was ultimately selected. Cavan elaborated on Vasileva’s artistic approach, noting, “She creates in both digital and traditional media, incorporating hand-cut stencils, stamps, and paper-cut elements to bring texture and depth to her illustrations.”

Vasileva’s design, titled Flora in Motion, features dual panels resembling butterfly wings. The wing patterns will showcase native British Columbia plants, including the Pacific Bleeding Heart and the Nootka Rose. The design aims to root the artwork in local ecology, while bright colours and clear shapes are intended to ensure visibility from a distance, infusing the streetscape with warmth and vibrancy.

The project is funded through the Civic Street Banner Program, which falls under the city’s Community Enhancement Budget. This budget allocates $125,000 annually for materials and labour, enabling the installation of banners at 1,015 locations across the city. The program encompasses various types of banners, including Town Centre Identity Banners and Surrey Gateway Banners, with approximately 100 dedicated to public art designs. Vasileva will receive a fee of $3,000 for her contribution to this project.

As the public art street banners prepare to take shape, Surrey Council continues to emphasize the importance of art in public spaces, fostering a sense of community and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the city. New banners are set to be installed each spring as part of the ongoing Town Centre Street Banner Program, promising to add a lively touch to Surrey’s urban landscape.