New Orwell Hotel Mural

In Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, First Nations artists recently completed the largest mural in BC. On the side of the Orwell Hotel, at Hastings and Jackson, artists completed the 743-foot mural which represents our urban Aboriginal population and celebrates Vancouver icons. Artists included in the project were: Sharifah Marsden, Richard Shorty, Jerry Whitehead, Haisla Collins, Don Howell and Nicola Campbell.

The cool thing about this project is that it was completely funded through BC organizations. General Paint donated most of the materials, and the other costs associated with the project were covered by the BC Housing Association, the City of Vancouver's Great Beginnings Program, the Strathcona BIA, the Royal Bank, and Britannia Community Services.

The symbolism is complex, but it is based upon the themes of progress, First Nations rights, and urban identities. I love how the old Woodward's sign was integrated into the mural. 

Photo courtesy of The Province newspaper