Crescent Heights Painted Benches

Crescent Heights BIA brought new life and colour to the streetscape through a creative bench-painting project supported by an ActivateYYC microgrant. Three local artist groups—@sydtheartiste, @wkndrsforlife, and @harveynichol.ca—painted a series of benches that are now spread throughout Crescent Heights Village, just north of Calgary’s downtown core.

Many of the benches were painted on site, giving passersby a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process while adding energy and animation to the public realm in real time. The project also sparked interest from community groups who reached out wanting to take part.

Now heavily used by people visiting local shops, cafés, and businesses, the benches show how a simple project can make a meaningful difference by creating more inviting places to pause and connect.