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:
Target Audiences:
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
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.
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.
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.