The WALL is a large format artists’ platform made possible through a unique partnership between Vancouver Heritage Foundation and CBC/Radio-Canada. It is produced in partnership with the City of Vancouver Public Art Program. Additional support is provided by JJ Bean Coffee Roasters. The WALL features a new artist every year.
2020 marked the 10-year anniversary of The WALL! This outdoor installation has featured artworks of both upcoming and established artists, exploring the theme of Vancouver’s built environment.
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The WALL was initially part of the CBC building redesign that included an outdoor plaza. The design team of Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects were entrusted with the re-imagining of the space. The massive concrete wall of the CBC studios lent itself to the installation of a 43′ x 32′ frame, suitable for public art display. The artworks to date have explored a wide range of topics from lesser-known histories to demolition and change.
“There was a pivotal moment during the CBC Redevelopment Project in 2009 when there was a remarkable collision of events. We were the architects for the CBC transformation at the time. I happened to run across [former VHF Executive Director] Diane Switzer who let me know that VHF was looking for a donor wall and at the time, the CBC needed to desperately find an interesting retail tenant to animate the open plaza and to hide a huge blank studio wall; and, we happened to be designers for John Neate at the time designing multiple JJ Bean outlets throughout the city. This moment coalesced and evolved into what would become The WALL.” – Joost Bakker, Architect
“The WALL is a vital opportunity for artists and audiences to explore the dynamic city we live in and what is often hidden, forgotten or submerged.” – Laiwan, 2014 The WALL artist
“Creating the piece, down.town. for The WALL was the perfect coming together of all the things that fuel my practice. I am still mesmerized by the images I found in the archival film at the CBC archives.” – Faith Moosang, 2015 the WALL artist
As we mark this milestone, we are pleased to confirm the renewal of this prominent street-side project for the next five years. Information on previous installations, as well as the current work, is listed below.
Call for Proposals
We are now accepting proposals for the 2021 The WALL installation. Artists and independent curators are invited to submit proposals for consideration by the 2021 WALL committee. The deadline to apply is March 15th, 2021 at 5pm.
Download the 2021 Call for Proposals
If you have any questions, please contact Program Manager, Sarah Carlson.