Surrey Council to Vote on Public Art Contract for Street Banners

Surrey Council is set to make a pivotal decision regarding the city’s public art initiative tonight. The council will vote on a recommendation to hire artist Julia Vasileva for the design of street banners intended for approximately 100 street poles throughout the city. If approved, this project will enhance the urban landscape in preparation for the year 2026.

According to Laurie Cavan, Surrey’s general manager of parks, recreation, and culture, public art street banners create an avenue for artists to share their creativity while improving the city’s public spaces. In a corporate report submitted to the council, Cavan stated, “The intention of the public art street banners is to enhance the experience of the streetscape for drivers, cyclists, transit riders, and pedestrians.” The banners are part of the City’s Town Centre Street Banner Program, with new designs installed each spring.

A selection panel evaluated 76 design proposals before choosing Vasileva, a Vancouver-based artist renowned for her work in children’s literature and public art. Cavan highlighted that Vasileva employs both digital and traditional media techniques, using hand-cut stencils, stamps, and paper-cut elements to create textured illustrations.

Vasileva’s proposed design, titled Flora in Motion, features dual panels resembling butterfly wings. The wing pattern incorporates native British Columbia plants, such as Pacific Bleeding Heart and Nootka Rose, connecting the artwork to the local environment. The vibrant colors and distinct shapes are intended to make the banners easily visible from a distance, infusing the streetscape with warmth and energy.

This public art project is financed through the Civic Street Banner Program, which operates within the Community Enhancement Budget. The annual budget allocates $125,000 for materials and labor, supporting banners at 1,015 locations across the city. Of these, around 100 will showcase Vasileva’s design. The artist’s fee for this initiative is set at $3,000.

As the council convenes, the outcome of this vote could significantly influence the artistic landscape of Surrey, reflecting the city’s commitment to integrating public art into community life.