A new public art program is turning commercial security roll shutters into temporary artworks throughout Lethbridge. The Art After Hour project turns the underutilized canvasses into works of art featuring local artists. “We just thought it was a really cool idea,” said Matthew McHugh, partner at Fee Simple Law. The law firm took part in a pilot program, which saw its roll shutter painted by local artist Sheila Shaw last fall. “The Allied Arts Council contacted me, and we said what’s something we could do for downtown? And what we thought of was this public art,” said McHugh. The public art campaign is offered through a partnership between the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge, the Lethbridge Public Art Program and the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ. “It’s a way of bringing that vibrancy throughout the community, and I think that’s what public art is about,” said Steven Foord, executive director of the arts council. Foord says a call for expression of interest is now open to artists and eligible businesses to take part in the program. “We’re hoping to bring upwards of five different roll shutter projects throughout the downtown and city,” he said. Businesses and building owners can apply for the program. If selected, the Allied Arts Council will pair them up with a local artist to create a design for their roll shutters. “This is similar to the electrical boxes that you might see throughout the city that are wrapped in this vinyl; it’s actually vinyl that gets installed on there,” explained Foord. The Downtown Lethbridge BRZ says the program supports local artists, strengthens neighbourhood identity and a sense of place, creating a more welcoming public realm and extending the life of shutters and can help deter graffiti. “We’re very interested in revitalization after hours and keeping people in the downtown to savour the tastes, smells and sights,” said Sarah Aimes, executive director of the BRZ. “This sort of project belies that this is just a closed space. There’s an interesting piece to look at after the business itself has closed for the day.” Fabrication and installation of the new roll shutter artworks is planned for spring 2027, with projects intended to be complete by June 30, 2027.
