CUPS Calgary - Mural
Mural Project Details
This project was completed for CUPS Calgary (Calgary Urban Project Society) at their Family and Child Development Centre Downtown.
CUPS Calgary is a non-profit organization that works with low-income Calgarians living with the impacts of trauma and adversity. Every year, they support thousands of children, adults, and families through our integrated suite of services including our Family and Child Development Centre, Primary Health Clinic, and housing programs.
Last year, they completed a major capital campaign that included the creation of a brand-new Family and Child Development Centre (FCDC) to enable their family developmental programs to operate out of one location.
They came to us, ready to brighten up the new space with murals.
Timeline for project: Start date July, 29, 2024 > Sept 02, 2024)
PROJECT CHALLENGES
Site challenges:
This project spanned 400 sq/ft across three walls. Since the center was open and operating, we had to work carefully around kids and staff moving through the space. One of the walls required a more manual process of applying the mural art to the surface due to the limited space we had available. We utilized a grid system to help with this process.
The CUPS team was incredibly supportive, helping us with everything we needed—from arranging parking to setting up barriers to keep the area safe and distraction-free.
Design challenges:
When we first started, CUPS Calgary had a general direction but needed guidance to get to a final concept that everyone was happy with. After a few meetings exploring their vision, the objective became clear.
THE SOLUTION
Working closely with Jessie Young, the manager of the Child & Family Development Centre, we developed a final design that everyone loved. It was playful and welcoming, capturing their vision of a warm, child-centred space that celebrates community and Calgary’s connection to nature.
Wall 1
Wall 2
Wall 3
IMPACT & RESULTS
The murals have transformed the Family and Child Development Centre into a space that truly reflects CUPS Calgary’s dedication to providing a safe, imaginative, and uplifting environment. The artwork helps kids and families feel welcome and inspired. Feedback from staff and clients has been overwhelmingly positive, with many saying the murals exceeded expectations and brought fresh energy to the building.
Employees especially appreciated how the design celebrated exploration, resilience, and imagination. The team valued our flexibility and quick communication throughout the process, and we felt fully aligned in our goal to create something meaningful. The murals have become a topic of conversation among staff, clients, and visitors, enhancing CUPS’ presence and uniting the community in a truly memorable space.
Wall 1
Wall 2
Wall 3
FROM THE CLIENT
“This project has been a true collaboration, and as an organization rooted in working together to support vulnerable communities, we’re deeply grateful for partners like you who bring heart, creativity, and a shared vision to the table. Thank you for helping us transform this space in such a meaningful way.” — Elaine Wilson, Chief Operating Officer
Get a behind-the-scenes
look at the creation of three beautiful murals for CUPS Calgary’s Family and Child Development Centre. Watch as we bring their vision to life through art and hear a heartfelt testimonial from the CUPS team about the impact of these murals in creating a safe, welcoming space for families.
LOOKING FOR A MURAL ARTIST?
Whether you're in Calgary, across Alberta or even further, we're here to help you create more moments to linger longer. When done well, murals not only increase brand awareness, they become catalysts for community and social engagement in and outside the office.
