If you’re not looking “up” when you’re visiting the alpine town of Jasper, you’re missing out. 

There’s Jasper’s famous snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks to take in, not to mention scenic trips up the SkyTram, and beautiful hikes winding up trails to glacier-fed lakes. 

And now, there’s another reason to look “up” when you’re walking around Jasper. 

The town recently hosted its inaugural UpLift! Jasper Mural Festival from April 23 to May 8, which saw the creation of four murals in the downtown core.

The larger-than-life, colourful art pieces each tell a story, and ATB was proud to be involved with the festival as a sponsor, and it all started with a bold idea. 

Sometimes you just have to ask 

The street art festival was organized by Jasper locals Oliver Andrew and Logan Ireland. The pair connected with their local ATB branch manager Ben Keyes and pitched the idea, along with the benefits that the murals could bring to the community. ATB was pleased to support their efforts with a $10,000 contribution towards the costs of two of the murals. 

“This was a truly unique opportunity to celebrate arts, culture and community in one of Alberta’s most treasured mountain parks,” says Jocelyn Wedman, Community Manager at ATB.

The festival included works from four talented artists this year, including: 

Fluke, a contemporary Canadian mural artist and painter, whose works are undeniably mesmerizing. 

Five Eight, a multidisciplinary artist from Montreal with a graffiti and glass blowing background, whole work is inspired by visual communication technologies.

Alberta’s own Blackfoot artist, Kalum Teke Dan, who creates visually striking pieces, with a contemporary take on Indigenous culture and traditions. 

Keenan Sillence, a Jasper local, also participated in the festival, whose works include intricate designs and geometric patterns. 

“Beyond the murals, there were some very special moments. In particular, the unveiling party for Kalum’s piece was incredibly thoughtful. There was a blessing by Matricia Bauer, as well as a traditional jingle dress dancer,” recalls Wedman. “You could feel the community support in the room, from the Mayor, to local brewers, bankers and local business owners.”

Local Art Love

The festival included works from four talented artists this year, including: 

Fluke, a contemporary Canadian mural artist and painter, whose works are undeniably mesmerizing. 

Five Eight is a multidisciplinary artist from Montreal with a graffiti and glass blowing background, and is inspired by visual communication technologies.

Alberta’s own Blackfoot artist, Kalum Teke Dan creates visually striking pieces, with a contemporary take on Indigenous culture and traditions. 

Last,  Keenan Sillence, a Jasper local, also participated in the festival, whose works include intricate designs and geometric patterns. 

“Our plan is to bring new artists each year, focusing on local talents as well as stories and cultures that are historically underrepresented,” says Ireland. “We want to ensure all perspectives and identities are portrayed in the festival.”

Festival organizers have created a mural map for visitors to spot the murals, which can be found on the Snowdome Coffee Wall, the back alley of timberwolf, on the alley wall of the Bear’s Paw Bakery, and on the Jasper Pizza Place Rooftop Patio.

Wedman says supporting this monumental launch of art in a National Park is one way ATB continues to celebrate the arts in Alberta. The inclusion of Indigenous artwork supports the festival’s goal of paying respect to, and learning from, the Indigenous people of Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 in Jasper and beyond. 

“We will continue to seek advice from local knowledge keepers and work towards a positive, bright and colourful future,” says Ireland. 

The festival is the first of its kind in Jasper, and the first ever in any Canadian National Park. 

The murals will remain in their new homes for at least five years, and some will be in place for a decade. The organizers are hopeful that they can add an additional four to five murals each year for several years to come.

Looking for banking support as an artist? Visit ATB's Branch for Arts and Culture.