Abb-Arts-Forward

Abb-Arts-Forward reimagines Abbotsford's wayfinding system by transforming local artists into city-wide gallerists, seamlessly integrating original artwork into modern navigation infrastructure. This innovative project replaces traditional municipal signage with custom-designed wayfinding elements that feature rotating local art installations, creating an open-air gallery experience while guiding residents and visitors through the city.

Project Goals:

Cultural Integration

Transform Abbotsford into Canada's first city-wide artist gallery through integrated wayfinding infrastructure that celebrates local creative talent while providing essential navigation services.

Economic Impact

Create sustainable revenue streams for local artists through rotating exhibition opportunities, commission-based installations, and ongoing maintenance contracts within municipal infrastructure.

Tourist & Civic Pride

Position Abbotsford as a must-visit arts destination that enhances visitor experience while strengthening community identity and resident engagement with public spaces.

Municipal Innovation

Establish a replicable model for Canadian cities that demonstrates how functional infrastructure can simultaneously serve cultural, economic, and practical urban planning objectives.

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Target Audiences:

Local Artists & Creatives

Emerging to established artists aged 25-55 seeking sustainable income and public exhibition opportunities beyond traditional gallery limitations.

They're motivated by the chance to showcase their work city-wide while contributing to community development and gaining professional exposure through functional art installations.

City of Abbotsford Municipal

City planners, tourism officers, and council members focused on innovative solutions that balance economic development with community engagement. They need cost-effective infrastructure improvements that generate tourism revenue while enhancing civic pride and positioning Abbotsford as a forward-thinking municipality.

Tourist & Regional Visitors

Cultural tourists and weekend explorers aged 30-65 who value unique, Instagram-worthy experiences that connect them with local culture. Including: Local families & provincial neighbours.

They want easy navigation combined with discovery opportunities that create memorable, shareable content and authentic regional experiences.

Abbotsford Residents

Local residents of all ages seeking enhanced community pride and improved city aesthetics through meaningful cultural engagement.

They want functional infrastructure improvements that celebrate local talent, strengthen neighborhood identity, and provide ongoing discovery of their city's creative community.

Street Banners - Abbartsforward - Kurtis Shyane Studio

Street Sign Navigation

Custom wayfinding signs that replace traditional municipal directional signage with artist-integrated designs throughout Abbotsford's core areas. These are the primary touch points where residents and visitors experience the fusion of functional navigation with local art, establishing the visual identity of the program while
solving practical wayfinding needs.

District Map Navigation

Neighborhood-specific maps that celebrate each area's unique character through local artist interpretation and highlight district-specific attractions. Vital for creating neighborhood pride and helping visitors understand Abbotsford's diverse community personalities and cultural offerings.

Bus & Transit Stops

Redesigned transit system maps featuring artistic interpretations and highlighting cultural stops along bus routes. Essential for connecting the arts experience with public transportation, encouraging exploration beyond downtown, and making the program accessible to residents who rely on transit.

Street Navigation Systems

Local Directory

Local business directories redesigned as artistic maps that support economic development while guiding visitors to restaurants, shops, and services. Essential for connecting cultural tourism with local economic impact and creating partnerships between artists and business community.

AbbArtsForward Branding

Logo, visual guidelines, and brand system that unifies all project elements under cohesive identity. Critical for program recognition, municipal buy-in, media coverage, and potential replication by other cities seeking similar cultural infrastructure solutions.

Footpath Navigation

Abbotsford's pedestrian wayfinding improvement system by integrating local artwork into footpath navigation and sidewalk crossings. This project transforms mundane street-level infrastructure into cultural discovery points, where artistic crosswalk designs and artist-created pathway markers guide pedestrians safely while celebrating our creative community.

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City Wide Murals

This comprehensive mural program would transform Abbotsford's walls into canvases for local artists, creating an interconnected gallery experience throughout the city. The initiative would partner emerging and established Fraser Valley artists with building owners, businesses, and municipal spaces to develop large-scale murals that reflect neighborhood character while contributing to a cohesive artistic narrative across districts.