Vancouver Mural Festival ‘closing the chapter’ after 9 years, organizers say

Locals participate in the Mount Pleasant Street Party at the Vancouver Mural Festival. (Vancouver Mural Festival/Facebook)

A staple of Vancouver’s art scene is coming to an end.

The Vancouver Mural Festival announced Friday on its website and social media channels that it is shutting down.

“After nine incredible years of transforming walls into works of art, we’re officially closing the chapter on Vancouver Mural Festival,” reads the organization’s statement.

“It’s been an unforgettable journey, and none of it would have been possible without you – our community of artists, volunteers, partners, and mural enthusiasts.”

Founded in 2016, the annual summer art festival was responsible for the creation of more than 400 murals around the Lower Mainland, primarily in the City of Vancouver.

Operated by the nonprofit Create Vancouver Society, VMF was also responsible for a winter arts festival and “a year-round, world-class, multi-media art consultancy and production agency.”

The organization said the decision to shut down “was not made lightly,” and came down to finances.

“Like many arts and non-profit organizations, we have faced growing financial challenges in the past years,” the VMF statement reads.

“Despite our best efforts and significant progress to stabilize the organization, it is no longer viable for us to continue.”

VMF organizers thanked their supporters for making the event “something truly special.”

“Together, we’ve brought colour, culture, and conversation to the streets of Vancouver,” the statement reads. “We’ve celebrated creativity, uplifted diverse voices, and shown the world the power of public art. VMF wasn’t just a festival; it was a movement fueled by connection, collaboration, and an unshakable love for this city.”

“While VMF may be coming to an end, the impact of its murals, festivals, and programs will continue to inspire Vancouver’s cultural landscape for years to come. These works of art stand as a testament to what is possible when creativity, collaboration, and community come together.”