Off the Beaten Path
Exploring the Art Installations of Calgary’s Back Alleys
Beyond its main streets, Calgary is home to vibrant alleyway art projects that are turning overlooked spaces into colorful destinations.
By Sophie Campbell | 2025-09-20 01:08
In Calgary’s Beltline and East Village neighborhoods, a quiet transformation is underway—one that trades graffiti tags and blank cinderblocks for bursts of color, narrative, and community identity. Back alleys once dismissed as mundane are becoming outdoor galleries, thanks to a city-backed initiative encouraging local artists to reimagine these overlooked urban spaces.
Dubbed the 'Alley Art Project,' the program invites muralists, illustrators, and mixed-media artists to apply for seasonal commissions. Selected artists are then paired with property owners, and together they collaborate on a design that reflects the local character, history, or spirit of the community.
The result? An ever-evolving tapestry of murals tucked between cafés, businesses, and parking lots. One alley features a surrealist dreamscape of prairie foxes and constellations; another showcases portraits of local jazz musicians in vivid purples and reds. Passersby who detour off the main roads are rewarded with unexpected creativity.
Artist Megan Hui recently completed a mural on the back of a historic sandstone building near 12th Avenue. Her piece—a colorful blend of floral motifs and Chinese calligraphy—was inspired by Calgary’s Chinatown and her own family’s migration story. “I wanted to create something rooted in memory but open to everyone’s interpretation,” she explains.
The impact goes beyond aesthetics. Local businesses report increased foot traffic and social media engagement thanks to the murals. Tour groups and photography enthusiasts now include alleyways on their city walks, creating a secondary economy for what was once considered dead space.
City officials say the program is a way to democratize art. “Not everyone feels comfortable walking into a gallery,” says public art coordinator Jamal Stephenson. “But everyone uses sidewalks and alleyways. This puts art in people’s everyday paths—it makes creativity unavoidable in the best way.”
The project has also created opportunities for emerging artists to gain visibility and experience. Students from Alberta University of the Arts have been invited to assist senior artists, turning the alleys into a kind of open-air apprenticeship studio during warmer months.
While the city provides modest grants and logistical support, much of the momentum comes from community associations and volunteers. Residents pitch in with paint days, refreshments, and promotion. Some alleyways have even adopted annual themes or rotating curators to keep the artwork fresh.
One of the project’s unexpected successes has been its ability to deter vandalism. City data shows that alleys with official murals experience fewer instances of tagging or property damage, suggesting a community respect for the effort and pride embedded in these artworks.
As Calgary continues to grow and redefine its urban identity, the alleys serve as a reminder that beauty doesn’t always announce itself—it often waits around the corner. And in these back lanes, what was once forgotten is now something to celebrate.